Who is considered homeless?
Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
- In an emergency or transitional shelter
- In a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of an adequate alternative
- In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building
- Doubled up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth
This definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:
- Uncertain housing
- A temporary address
- No permanent physical address
Children and youth living in these settings meet criteria for the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have special educational rights.
Where can a child or youth without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence attend school?
- The school the child or youth attended before becoming homeless or was last enrolled (school of origin)
- The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is currently living
How can delays be avoided when enrolling a student experiencing homelessness in school?
- Enroll the student immediately
- Contact the previous school and ask that the records be sent electronically or shared over the phone
- Contact the principal, school counselor, or local homeless education liaison with any concerns
- Contact the local homeless education liaison to support unaccompanied youth when enrolling in school
Local Homeless Education Liasion for Bedford County Public Schools
Diane Isenhour
Supervisor of Literacy and Title I
310 S. Bridge Street
Bedford, VA 24523
Work: 540-586-1045 Ext. 10274
Fax: 540-586-7703
E-mail: disenhour@bedford.k12.va.us
Project Hope State Representative
Dr. Patricia A. Popp
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
757-221-4002/Toll Free: 877-455-3412
TDD: 757-221-2302/Fax: 757-221-2988
E-mail: [email protected]