McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. It defines “homeless children and youth” as any student who lacks a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” This includes students who are sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, disaster, or a similar reason; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations; living in emergency shelters or transitional housing; and living unsheltered such as cars, parks, tents, or bus stations.  This definition includes migrant children who are staying in these situations. Special protections also are provided for youth who are experiencing homelessness without a parent or legal guardian.


Your school age child may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Please contact the school counselor at your child’s school or Holly Bodjanac, Marquette Area Public Schools McKinney-Vento District Liaison, at (906) 225-5330 for assistance if you believe your child may be eligible.