By Ali Moreland
The Washington County School District is reminding families experiencing housing instability that students may qualify for educational protections and support under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
The law ensures children and youth without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence can continue their education without interruption. It applies to students who are temporarily sharing housing due to financial hardship or loss of housing, living in motels, hotels, shelters, campgrounds, vehicles, or other inadequate housing, as well as unaccompanied youth.
Eligible students have the right to enroll in school immediately, remain in their school of origin when appropriate, receive transportation, and access the same educational programs and services as their peers.
The district also offers assistance with school supplies, clothing, graduation expenses, and referrals to community resources. Officials emphasize that all information is kept confidential and that the goal is to help students remain focused on learning despite housing challenges.
Jiranda White, the district’s Director of Federal Programs and McKinney-Vento liaison, works with families to connect eligible students with available services. Clinical Social Worker Angie Bell also provides emotional support, crisis intervention, family advocacy, and referrals to community resources.
District officials encourage families facing housing challenges to contact the school district to learn more about available assistance and determine their eligibility for services.
AMBER PATINO