It is the mission of Birmingham Public Schools to provide a quality and seamless educational experience for all students without regard to physical, social, or bureaucratic obstacles posed by experiencing homelessness.

Help is available through the District, in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. We will ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness continue to have access to a free and equitable public education, including preschool.

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, originally passed in 1987, is the primary federal law addressing the educational needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness in the United States. It was enacted in response to the growing crisis of homelessness during the 1980s. The McKinney-Vento Act was created with the goal of ensuring the enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youth in school.

Students Eligible for Support

Under the McKinney-Vento (MV) Homeless Assistance Act, the term "homeless children and youth" means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes those who are:

• Living in a shelter or transitional housing program.
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
• Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
• Living in inadequate living conditions (unsafe housing, lack of heat or running water).
• Unaccompanied youth experiencing any of the above situations.

Rights of Eligible Students

Eligible students have the right to:

• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required.
• Enroll in school and attend class while the school gathers needed document.
• Participate in school activities and programs.
• Remain in your same school (school of origin) or transfer to the local school district where you are now residing (school of residence).
• Receive the support of the district’s McKinney-Vento Liaison.
• Receive transportation to the school of origin if requested.

Services

• School supplies and uniforms
• Transportation to and from the school of origin
• Referrals for housing, health care, food, and other services
• Academic support and tutoring