Housing

Loss of Housing and the McKinney-Vento Act

If you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, please contact Courtney Stein at steinc@southbutler.net, as your family may be eligible for certain supports and resources.  A living situation which is not fixed, regular, or adequate may include:

• sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason

• living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations

• living in emergency or transitional shelters 

• living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings 

• migratory youth

• youth who meet once of the above situations and are not living with a parent or legal guardian

Youth and their families who are in one of the above situations (or a similar circumstance) are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act. The purpose of the act is to help ensure educational stability for students.  You can read more about the McKinney-Vento Act here

The Basic Education Circular (BEC) outlines categories of children who are entitled to the protections of the federal law.  It also explains information regarding school placement, immediate enrollment, transportation, Title I funds, and the dispute resolution process.

First Point of Contact for Homeless Assistance in Butler County

Catholic Charities' Butler County Outreach

Call: (724) 287-4011

Visit: 120 W. New Castle Street, Butler, PA 16001

They specialize in Housing and Homeless Assistance to all Butler County residents who are without homes or in danger of losing their homes.  As the first point of contact for Homeless Assistance in Butler County, they offer the following:

• Housing and Homeless Assistance

• Emergency Shelter: Hotel accommodation for a limited number of days for homeless individuals and families.

• Emergency Solutions Grant: Housing relocation, stabilization, and rental assistance to rehouse the homeless and prevent homelessness.

• Home Again: Permanent supportive housing families with children, in particular those struggling with mental illness.  Our Home Again program includes vocational and educational assistance, life skills training, rental subsidies, and referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatments.

• PATH: Permanent supportive housing for young adults between 18 and 24 struggling with mental illness and/or addiction.  Our PATH program includes   vocational and educational assistance, life skills training, rental subsidies, and referrals to substance abuse and mental health treatments.

• Rental Assistance: We provide up to one month's rental assistance to help individuals and families avert immediate housing crises.

• Safe Harbor: Temporary housing and supportive services for homeless individuals and familiesworking towards self-sufficiency.

Referrals: They provide referrals to other social service agencies to address needs that are beyond the scope of their programs.