You or your child are considered homeless or in transition if you live in:
An emergency, transitional or domestic violence shelter
A motel, hotel or campground
An abandoned building, car, park or on the street
A residence with relatives or friends because of economic hardship or loss
A residence with friends or family because you are a runaway or an accompanied youth
Homeless and in transition children have several rights under McKinney-Vento:
Immediate enrollment in school
Continued attendance at the school last attended before becoming homeless, or the school of origin
Transportation to and from the school of origin
Automatic participation in free breakfast and lunch programs
Parents can enroll children in school even without immediate access to key documents:
Proof of residency
Immunization or tuberculosis records
School records
Birth certificate
The Santa Clara County Office of Education can provide homeless and in-transition children with resources:
Backpacks and school supplies
School and P.E. uniforms
Daily and monthly VTA passes for educational use only
Enrollment assistance and advocacy
Help retrieve health and educational records
Referrals to School District Liaisons and community agencies
Sonja House, MSW
Supervisor, Foster Youth & Homeless Educational Services
(408) 453-6956
Darias Brown
Homeless Youth Specialist
(408) 453-6928
Marilyn DeRouen
Foster Youth Services Liaison
(408) 453-6998
Leanne Wheeler
State Homeless Coordinator
California Department of Education
1 (866) 856-8214
Santa Clara County Office of Education
1290 Ridder Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131