HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH HAVE SCHOOL RIGHTS

The mission of Grand Rapids Public Schools Homeless Liaison is to assist GRPS students experiencing homelessness through direct support and advocacy. The primary objective is to remove educational barriers to help ensure students engage successfully in school and cultivate heir unique strengths and talents.

The Liaison ensures district compliance of the McKinney-Vento Act Title IX of ESSA

The Liaison focuses support on school readiness and student success to include:

• School enrollment and advocacy
• Backpacks/school supplies
• School meal assistance
• Uniform assistance
• Basic-need supplies
• Community resources
• School transportation

Students and families may qualify if they are living in the following situations

• Shelter or Transitional Housing Program
• Motel/Hotel
• Doubled up with a friend or relative due to loss of housing and economic hardship
• Unsheltered – parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings
• Unaccompanied youth not in the physical custody or presence of a parent or legal guardian and living in one of the above situations.

Additional resources for students and families:

• Homeless Definition
• Know Your Rights
• Common Signs of Homelessness
• Signs of Potential Homelessness in a Virtual Learning World 
• Community Resources 
• Mckinney-Vento Parent Information
• Mckinney-Vento Student Information
• Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness 

Elmo’s Message to Children and Parents Experiencing Homelessness: