Education for Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness
In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Vision Academy Charter School has appointed Jennifer Hill (Grades 4–8 School Counselor, hill@vacharter.org) and Jacqueline Walker (Grades K–3 School Counselor, walker1@vacharter.org) as our Homeless and Foster Youth Liaisons.
They lead our efforts to ensure the McKinney-Vento Act is upheld for students experiencing homelessness. Our liaisons help school staff identify eligible youth and connect them to needed resources and support through partnerships with local services and agencies.
Who is Considered “Homeless”?
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth:
- Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternatives
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations, or similar settings
- Living in substandard housing (no running water, unsafe conditions, infestations, etc.)
Supports Available
Children experiencing homelessness may qualify for:
- Free school breakfast and lunch
- Assistance with school supplies and materials
- Tutoring support
- Transportation so they can remain in their school of origin during their homelessness episode
If you believe your child(ren) may qualify, please contact:
- Jennifer Hill (4–8 Counselor) – hill@vacharter.org
- Jacqueline Walker (K–3 Counselor) – walker1@vacharter.org
- Or call our main office at (484) 466-2124.
If your living situation changes during the year, please contact the school so we can support your child and minimize disruption to their education.
McKinney-Vento Act Basics At-a-Glance
Definition: “Homeless” means anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence.
Examples include:
- Staying in someone else’s home due to hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, shelters, or public spaces
- Living in emergency or transitional housing
- Youth who are unaccompanied, runaway, refugee, or migrant
How the law helps:
- Immediate school enrollment
- Free and reduced-price school meals
- Help with enrollment documents
- Transportation (if eligible)
- Support with uniforms and school supplies
- Assistance with other basic needs
More Information & Resources
Pennsylvania State Resources
- PA Department of Education
- Education for Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness
- 211 Helpline Center – connect to local services
- CHIP – 1-800-KIDS-101 for free/low-cost health insurance
- COMPASS PA – benefits and services
- PA DHS – Department of Human Services
- PA CareerLink – employment support (717-783-6238)
Local Assistance