Seeking Homeless Resources?

Saydel Community Schools can help students and families in need.

Are you sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason?
Are you currently residing in a shelter, motel, hotel, in a car, or at a campsite because your home has been damaged or because of economic reasons?
You may qualify for additional supports and services in school under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Please contact a Saydel Social Worker or Director of Programs and Services. You can also reach out by calling (515) 264-0866. We're here to help!

McKinney-Vento Definition & Rights

Definition
Students may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act if they do not have a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence. Please talk to your school’s Student & Family Advocate if you are living:

-With friends/relatives due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reasons
-In emergency shelters or transitional housing
-In cars or buildings without heat or water
-In campgrounds, hotels, or motels, because of economic hardship or similar reasons

More information on the McKinney-Vento Act definition & eligibility - Click here

Rights
-Students have the right to go to school no matter where they live or how long they have lived there. 

-Specifically, students who are homeless have the right to attend:

-The last school they went to (known as the School of Origin) was when they became homeless
-The school is located in the attendance area where they are currently living (known as the Home School)

-Students who are homeless have the right to:

-Immediately enroll in school and participate fully in classes, even if missing documents normally required for enrollment due to homelessness, such as: birth certificate, proof of residence, school records, immunization (shots) or medical records
-Receive free transportation support to your School of Origin
-Receive free school meals without filling out an application
-Receive Special Education services immediately if the student has a current IEP (even if the IEP is from another district)
-Stay in the School of Origin until the end of the school year in which you become permanently housed
-Receive Title I Services even if not attending a Title I school
-Enroll in school when not living with a parent or guardian
-Engage in all the same programs and services that are available to all other students

Appeals
Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness have a right to appeal a school’s enrollment decision. Complaints must first be reported orally to the school administrator. If the complaint is not promptly resolved, the school must provide a written explanation of its decision and refer the complainant to the District's formal written appeal at this link following the McKinney-Vento (Homeless) Dispute Resolution Process, found at this link. During the appeal process, the student has a right to enroll in school and to get transportation support until a final decision is made.