Homeless Information (McKinney-Vento Act)

Debbie Gonzalez, WFISD Homeless Liaison

(940)235-1026, ext. 16036

All students enrolled in WFISD must fill out a Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ). Each student needs to fill out a new SRQ at the beginning of each school year. This is generally completed during the online InfoSnap Enrollment process. If circumstances change after the initial SRQ is completed and there is a change in living situation that would qualify a student/family as homeless, then the Campus Homeless Coordinator will provide a paper copy of the SRQ to be completed by the student/parent. The information provided on the SRQ will help determine if a student qualifies for homeless services as well as identify the specific services a student may be eligible to receive.

• What classifies someone as Homeless?
  The Federal McKinney– Vento Act of 2001– Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act– Sec. 725, defines “homeless” as:
  • Living in a shelter (family, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter, or transitional program);
  • Living in a motel, hotel, or weekly-rate housing;
  • Living in a house or an apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss;
  • Living in an abandoned building or a car, at a campground or on the streets;
  • Being placed in temporary foster care or with an adult who is not your parent or legal guardian;
  • Living in inadequate housing with no electricity, no water, and/or no heat;
  • Staying with friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth.
  
  
  If you are currently living in one of these situations, you do not need to provide the following documents to enroll in school:
  • Proof of residency
  • Immunization records
  • Birth certificate
  • School records
  • Legal guardianship papers
  
  How do you qualify for the program?
  You must fill out a Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ) form at your home campus. Secondary students, can sign an SRQ form through the Student Assignment Office (located at 1104 Broad St.) or by contacting the Homeless Coordinator. The answers you provide will help the Homeless Coordinator determine if your child is eligible for services.
  
  Examples of Services:
  • Tutoring services at various campuses
  • Enrollment assistance to families
  • Assistance in resolving disputes that arise during the enrollment process
  • Assistance to families in obtaining free lunch status for their child
  • Assistance with transportation
  • Assistance with school supplies
  • Assistance with school uniforms and other clothing
  • Assistance with hygiene items
  • Connect families and students with resources in the community
  • Provide a snack program to students at various campuses
  • Assist students with documentation needed for college financial aid
  • Advocacy for the educational needs of students in homeless situations.