Definition of Homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homeless children and youths as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The law provides several examples of situations that meet the definition. This includes children and youths:
Ø sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
Ø living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing;
Ø living in emergency or transitional shelters;
Ø abandoned in hospitals;
Ø living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
Ø living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places; and/or
Ø living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory.
For more information or resources relating to the McKinney-Vento Act or educating homeless families and youth, please check out the WI DPI website at the link below.
If you are in a situation mentioned above please contact me at 715-349-2277 ext. 102 or djohnston@siren.k12.wi.us and we will work to get you connected with resources in the area.