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
Higher Education Resources
- 2020 College Starter Kits
- Summer Bridge Program
- Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Documentation of Independent Student Status for the FAFSA and DCTAG
Homeless Awareness Training
Logistics and Legislation
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Education for Homeless Children and Youths Non-Regulatory Guidance
Useful Form(s)
Additional Resources
Disconnected Youth
- DC ReEngagement Center
- Back on Track DC
Domestic Violence
Family Resources: Food
Family Resources: Housing
- Shelter Hotline - If you or someone you know is in need of Emergency Shelter after hours, please call the Shelter Hotline at 1 (800) 535-7252 or (202) 399-7093 available 24 hours a day.
- Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
Family Resources: Various
- A Wider Circle
- DC Department of Energy & Environment (DDOE)
- DC Department of Human Services (DHS)
- DC Water
- Greater Washington Urban League
- Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington
- Mary’s Center
Unaccompanied Youth: Housing
- Covenant House Greater Washington - for youth ages 18-24 who are in need of emergency housing assistance. Please call (202) 610-9600.
- Latin American Youth Center
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork - for youth ages 11-17 who are in need of short-term shelter. Please call the emergency hotline at (202) 547-7777.
- Wanda Alston Foundation
Unaccompanied Youth: Various
- Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL)
- Stand Up For Kids
- Zoe’s Doors Drop-In Center
Various Resources
- Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington
- DC Interagency Council on Homelessness
- DC Department of Transportation (DDOT)
McKinney-Vento (MKV) Resources
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
- National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
- National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
- The National Homelessness Law Center (formerly the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty)
- National Network for Youth
- SchoolHouse Connection
- The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project
Contacts
Tanisha L. Brown, Ed.D
Interim Director, Community Learning and School Support (CLASS)
(202) 741-4699
[email protected]
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]