McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
In 1987, Congress passed the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, (subsequently renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) to aid homeless persons. The Act defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted, amending McKinney-Vento.

What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?
“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”

What situations fit this definition?

• Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, or similar circumstances

• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (in some instances – examples: leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options

• Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing

• Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth

• Refugee and migrant youth

How does McKinney-Vento help these students?
The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes:

• Immediate enrollment

• Free and Reduced School Lunch

• Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents

• Help from school setting up transportation service (if the student qualifies)

• Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing

• Help from school with basic school supplies

• Help from school with any basic clothing needs

• Help from school with basic high school graduation needs and expenses

Click here for a link to the Basic Education Circular on the PDE website.

The McKinney-Vento liaison at MaST II Campus is Anne Raphael.   As the McKinney-Vento Liaison, she is responsible for ensuring that our school is supporting the scholars and families protected by the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Act.

For more information and/or guidance, she can be reached at via Email.

McKinney-Vento Letter to Families

PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Website

McKinney-Vento and COVID-19 Information for Parents

Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness – Dispute Process 

Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness – Dispute Letter 

City of Phila Office of Homeless Services

Guide To College for Students Experiencing Homelessness

McKinney-Vento Information Poster

Thanks to our community partnerships, we are also able to offer our students other supports, such as bookbags, winter coats, and more.  Reach out to our McKinney-Vento liaison, Ms. Raphael, for more information!  Thank you to the Fraternal Order of Police, the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, the Eagles Eye Mobile, and the Faith Worship Center Food Pantry!