McKinney-Vento Act

Support Through Homelessness

All students enrolled in WFISD must fill out a Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ). Each student needs to fill out a new SRQ at the beginning of each school year. This is generally completed during the online InfoSnap Enrollment process. If circumstances change after the initial SRQ is completed and there is a change in living situation that would qualify a student/family as homeless, then the Campus Homeless Coordinator will provide a paper copy of the SRQ to be completed by the student/parent. The information provided on the SRQ will help determine if a student qualifies for homeless services as well as identify the specific services a student may be eligible to receive.

student residency questionnaire (english)

student residency questionnaire (spanish)

Definition of Homelessness

(McKinney-Vento Act, Sec. 725(2); 42 U.S.C. §11435(2))

Under federal law, children and youth living in a variety of situations may be considered homeless.

Homelessness is defined as a lack of fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, often resulting from extreme poverty or the absence of a safe and stable living environment.

Students experiencing homelessness may not fit common stereotypes. Because of this, it is important for educators to recognize the wide range of living situations that qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act and ensure eligible students receive appropriate protections and services.

The term “homeless children and youth” includes individuals who:

Lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and
Are living in situations such as:
- Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
- Staying in emergency or transitional shelters
- Being abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care placement
Reside in places not designed for regular sleeping accommodations, including:
- Public or private spaces not intended for human habitation
Live in unstable or inadequate conditions, such as:
- Cars, parks, public places, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or transportation stations
Are migratory children living in any of the situations described above

Campus Responsibilities

Designate a Campus Homeless Coordinator

Each campus is responsible for ensuring compliance with student support procedures related to homelessness, as well as designating a Homeless Coordinator who will oversee the process from start to finish.

The coordinator is responsible for:

Ensuring completion of the Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ)
All applicable students must complete the SRQ if it has not already been submitted through InfoSnap.
Submitting documentation
Send completed SRQ forms to the Social & Emotional Services Office at the Education Center, Attention: Homeless Liaison.
Making referrals for support
Submit referrals to Debbie Gonzalez for any students with identified needs.

Maintain and Update Student Records

Important Information for Teachers

Teachers often have the most direct insight into students’ living situations and play a critical role in identification.

If you become aware of a student experiencing homelessness, ensure that an SRQ is completed.
Even temporary situations must be documented.

Examples of qualifying living situations may include:

Multiple families living in a single household
Families frequently moving from place to place
Families residing in hotels or motels

Some situations may not traditionally be recognized as homelessness but may still qualify under federal law. When in doubt, report and document.

General Information

What classifies someone as homeless?

The Federal McKinney– Vento Act of 2001– Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act– Sec. 725, defines “homeless” as:
• Living in a shelter (family, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter, or transitional program);
• Living in a motel, hotel, or weekly-rate housing;
• Living in a house or an apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss;
• Living in an abandoned building or a car, at a campground or on the streets;
• Being placed in temporary foster care or with an adult who is not your parent or legal guardian;
• Living in inadequate housing with no electricity, no water, and/or no heat;
• Staying with friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth.

If you are currently living in one of these situations, you do not need to provide the listed documents to enroll in school.

How can I qualify for this program?

What are some of the services provided in this program?

• Tutoring services at various campuses
• Enrollment assistance to families
• Assistance in resolving disputes that arise during the enrollment process
• Assistance to families in obtaining free lunch status for their child
• Assistance with transportation
• Assistance with school supplies
• Assistance with school uniforms and other clothing
• Assistance with hygiene items
• Connect families and students with resources in the community
• Provide a snack program to students at various campuses
• Assist students with documentation needed for college financial aid
• Advocacy for the educational needs of students in homeless situations.