Homeless Student Assistance (McKinney-Vento Act)

In transition? Unstable housing situation?

Let us connect you with the support to keep your education on track. Hardships happen, and the
M​cKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, a federal law, ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. Our district-appointed liaisons are here to facilitate, locate and assist our families and students who find themselves needing support during these difficult moments to continue receiving the highest standards of education.​​

Do You...

  • ​Live in a shelter, motel or campground?
  • Live doubled-up with other people or couch-surfing?
  • Live in a car, park or abandoned building?

Get covered in three simple step​s

  1. TALK to your school counselor. Your school counselor will complete an intake form which will identify your student's needs and any community resources available to you
  2. COMPLETE the Housing Questionnaire
  3. CONTACT the McKinney-Vento Office for any additional resource assistance 

Under the McKin​ney-Vento Act you have a right to an education without barriers, which means you can:

  • Receive a free public education
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if you lack documents normally required for enrollment
  • Attend classes while the school gathers your missing documents
  • Enroll in the school closest to you or the school you were last enrolled in (school of origin), even if you have been forced to relocate
  • Receive transportation to and from your school of origin
  • Receive all the same educational services other students receive, even if you can't pay
  • Participate in before and after school programs
  • Receive counseling
  • Receive free breakfast and lunch
  • Participate in special education, bilingual vocational and gifted programs as qualified
  • Receive school supplies
  • Receive extra academic support through Title I funding
  • Receive evaluation for any disabilities

Help Support Our Students

Your donations directly support McKinney-Vento students experiencing housing insecurity in Tacoma.

Donate onlineDonate by Mail

Please make checks payable to TPS Tone Trust and mail to:

Tacoma Public Schools
Attn: McKinney-Vento Department
PO Box 1357
Tacoma, WA 98401