Northwest Classical Academy’s H.E.L.P. Resource

Purpose

The Homeless Education and Learning Program (H.E.L.P.) operates in accordance with the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act (M-V), which ensures educational rights for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The primary goal is to provide educational stability by eliminating educational barriers and promoting academic success for students facing homelessness.

Definitions

“Homeless Students” are defined as those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:

• Children and youth who:

• share the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
• live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• live in emergency or transitional shelters; or
• are abandoned in hospitals.

• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

• Children and youth who live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; or,

• Migratory children who are living in circumstances set forth in Items 1, 2 and 3 above.

“Homeless Unaccompanied Youth” are students who are not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian and are living in one of the situations listed above.

Educational Rights for Eligible Students

Homeless Students and Homeless Unaccompanied Youth have the right to:

1. Enroll in school immediately, even if they are lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
2. Choose between the local school where they are living or the school last attended before becoming homeless, when feasible.
3. Receive transportation assistance to the school of origin when requested by a parent/guardian/homeless unaccompanied youth.
4. Attend school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Students cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
5. Receive school services comparable to services offered to other students.

What can qualifying parents expect from NCA’s H.E.L.P. resource?

Qualifying parents can expect the following from NCA:

• Information and support to get reduced fees for school uniforms, supplies, free and reduced lunch, and school-based activities.
• Connections with local organizations who may be able to provide assistance in supporting housing needs.
• Confidentiality: We are here to support you.

For More Information

If you think your child/family qualifies for support through this program, or you have questions about NCA's policies and resources for students struggling with housing issues, please reach out to our Homeless Liaison at HomelessHelp@nwclassical.org.