Enrollment Support for Families in Temporary Housing
Enrollment Support for Families in Temporary Housing
VHCS is committed to helping every student access school, even when a family is experiencing temporary or unstable housing. If your family is going through a housing transition, staying with others, living in a motel or shelter, or unsure where you will stay next, support may be available through the McKinney-Vento program.
Students who qualify for McKinney-Vento support have the right to enroll in school right away, even if some documents are missing. Our goal is to remove barriers so students can stay connected to school, participate fully, and receive the support they need.
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The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that helps protect the educational rights of students who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
A student may qualify for McKinney-Vento support if the family is:
- Staying with friends or relatives due to loss of housing, financial hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in a motel, hotel, shelter, vehicle, campground, or temporary space
- Living in housing that is not safe, stable, or adequate
- Moving from place to place
- Living somewhere temporarily because they do not have a permanent place to stay
Families do not have to use the word “homeless” to ask for help. If your housing situation is temporary, unstable, or uncertain, please reach out so we can help determine whether support is available.
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Enrollment cannot be denied or delayed because a family does not currently have every required document.
Students may be able to enroll even if the family is missing documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- School records
- Immunization or health records
- Proof of residency
- Custody documentation
- Transportation information
- Other enrollment documents
VHCS staff can help families work through the enrollment process and gather needed documents after the student is enrolled.
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Students who qualify for McKinney-Vento support may be eligible for assistance with school-related needs, which may include:
- Immediate enrollment
- Help obtaining school records or required documents
- Transportation support, when applicable
- School supplies
- Class fees or school-related participation costs
- Field trip support
- Free school meals
- Hygiene items or basic needs support
- Academic support
- Connection to school counseling or community resources
Support is based on the student’s needs and available resources.
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If your family is experiencing temporary or unstable housing, please contact VHCS Student Support Services for help completing the Residency Questionnaire.
You may call 205-402-5100 to request McKinney-Vento support or help with barrier-free enrollment.
A staff member can talk with you about your family’s situation, help determine whether your child may qualify, and connect your student with appropriate support.
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Families may feel hesitant to share housing concerns. VHCS handles this information with care and respect. Information is shared only with staff members who need to know in order to support enrollment, safety, services, or school participation.
Our goal is to help students remain connected to school and reduce barriers during a difficult or uncertain time.
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Please reach out even if you are unsure. A temporary housing situation, staying with others, or not having a stable place to stay may qualify your child for support.
You do not need to figure this out alone. VHCS can help determine the next step.