Housing Stability and Homeless Resources
Services for Homeless Students
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures the rights and protections for students experiencing homelessness.
"Homeless" is defined as "anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence". Examples include:
In an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
In a motel, hotel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation.
In a car, park, abandoned building, or public place due to unavailable suitable housing options.
Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of a legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth.
Under the legislation, eligible children have the right to:
Receive a free, appropriate public education
Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled).
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the children's needs.
*If the school district believes that the school selected is not in the best interest of the child, then the district must provide a written explanation of its position and inform the family of its right to appeal the decision.
Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (RNESU) is committed to supporting all of our families. If your family is experiencing homelessness or you want to refer a student who may be experiencing homelessness, please contact a school staff member or the RNESU Homeless Liaisons for support.
Tyler Weideman
RNESU Homeless Liaison
(802) 247-5757
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Families may also contact school guidance counselors or any faculty or staff member with whom they feel comfortable.
Barstow Memorial School - Bob Myers, Principal (802) 773-3763
Lothrop Elementary School - Stacey Farrington, Principal (802) 483-6361
Neshobe Elementary School - Patrick Binder, Principal (802) 247-3721
Otter Creek Academy - Christina Roach, Principal
Leicester (802) 247-8825
Whiting (802) 623-7991
Otter Valley Union Middle/High School - Michael Ruppel, Principal (802) 247-6833
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RESOURCES
RNESU Homeless Referral Form
Parent Brochure: What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School
Vermont Foodbank Locator
Vermont Youth Resources Locator
Vermont Agency of Education Homeless Children and Youth Education Program
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)