Overview

The mission of the Homeless Education Program is to ensure that every child and youth experiencing homelessness receives free, appropriate, public educational opportunities; to provide training and support to schools, shelters and the community; and to increase awareness about the issues experienced by children, youth and families experiencing homelessness. Children and youth experiencing homelessness should have equal access to the same educational opportunities and services as permanently housed children and youth. In addition, children and youth experiencing homelessness should have the opportunity to meet the same challenging academic achievement standards to which all students are held. To ensure that families experiencing homelessness are well supported and that appropriate funds are provided to support students, OSSE regularly shares information regarding student status with schools in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• COVID-19: Education for Homeless Children and Youths Guidance (Updated: 5/22/2020)
• DC Homeless Liaison Contact List
• Educational Rights for Parents and Students Experiencing Homelessness
• Frequently Asked Questions
• LEA Briefing Memo: Increase in the Number of Students Identified as Homeless
• Statistics & Reports

Grants and Funding

• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant (MKV)
• American Rescue Plan Homeless Fund (ARP-Homeless Fund)

Higher Education Resources

• College Starter Kits
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Documentation of Independent Student Status for the FAFSA and DCTAG

Homeless Awareness Training

• Homeless Education Program MKV Monthly Dialogue Schedule 
• Ally Partner Program

Logistics and Legislation

• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
• Education for Homeless Children and Youths Non-Regulatory Guidance

Useful Form(s)

• Dispute Resolution Guidelines and Appeals Process

Additional Resources

• Community, Local Public Agency, and National Resources

Contacts

For guidance regarding McKinney-Vento Federal guidelines and policy, please contact:
Nicole Lee-Mwandha | Homeless Education State Coordinator
(202) 654-6123
[email protected]

For assistance with McKinney-Vento grant funding and compliance, please contact:
Danielle Rollins | Homeless Education Program Analyst
(202) 741-0255
[email protected]

For assistance with enrollment, transportation, trainings and community outreach, please contact:
Tasheen Stallings| Homeless Education Program Analyst
(202) 478-5927
[email protected]

Manager for the Homeless Education Program
Portia S. Bates, Ed. S | Recovery Program Manager
(202) 741-4699
[email protected]