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Homeless Liaison

Nora Skentzos

Director of Student Services, Homeless Liason
School: 815.838.8031 ext. 6002

Will County Homeless Liaison

Karole Brandolino

Will County ROE 56

McKinney-Vento Act Eligibility

Does your family currently lack a permanent address?

You and your children may be eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act if you:

  • Have lost housing or are experiencing economic hardship
  • Live in a shelter, motel, or vehicle
  • Are "doubled-up" (sharing housing with others) due to loss of housing
  • Live in a temporary or transitional shelter
  • Are staying in a place not fit for human habitation

If any of the above applies to you, your children have the right to immediate enrollment and additional educational supports.

McKinney-Vento (Homeless) Act

What is the McKinney-Vento (Homeless) Act?

Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime home are eligible for McKinney-Vento services. In general, children or youth living in motels, transitional housing, shelters, the street, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations may be considered eligible for McKinney-Vento services. This includes, but is not limited to, the following groups:

  • Doubled-up Children: Living with another family due to lack of a permanent residence.
  • Children in shelters: Including transitional living programs.
  • Children living in motels: Due to lack of alternative adequate living situations.
  • Migratory children: If accommodations are not fit for habitation.
  • Runaways: Children who have left home and live in a shelter or inadequate accommodations.
  • Lockouts: Children whose parents or guardians will not permit them to live at home.

Students in temporary or inadequate living situations have the following rights:

  • Immediate enrollment in the school they last attended or the school in whose attendance area they are currently staying, even without typical documentation.
  • Access to free meals and textbooks, Title I and other educational programs, and comparable services including transportation.
  • Participation in the same classes and activities as other students without fear of being separated or treated differently.

Resources for Parents and Families

Additional Resources & Support

For more information regarding local support services and regional assistance, please explore the resources below: