McKinney-Vento Services

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program ensures that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to education and school-related services. This includes children and youth living in shelters, motels, cars, or doubled up with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship. The program also supports unaccompanied youth—students who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian—by helping them enroll in school, access services, and stay on track for graduation. McKinney-Vento removes barriers to enrollment, attendance, and success so every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive—no matter their living situation.

If your family lives in any of the following situations, your school-age children may qualify for support under the McKinney-Vento Act:

  • In a shelter or transitional housing

  • In a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of alternative housing

  • Doubled-up with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship

  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or similar place

Students have the right to:

  • Stay in their school of origin, even if they move outside the attendance zone

  • Enroll immediately, even without documents normally required

  • Receive free school meals and access to school programs

  • Receive transportation support to and from school of origin

If you believe your child may qualify, or if you have questions, please contact the liaison or your school counselor.

You can also contact the state coordinator by emailing MVP@doe.k12.ga.us

Julie Hawkins, LCSW

Student Services Coordinator/ Social Worker

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