The District is required under federal regulations to ensure that homeless students have access to the same educational programs and services provided to other District students. Students determined to be Homeless have specific rights including free school meals and consideration for remaining in the school the student was attending at the time he or she became homeless. Homeless students are generally defined as individuals lacking a fixed, regular and adequate night time residence, which include the following conditions:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- Living in emergency, transitional or domestic violence shelters
- Using public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings, as a primary night time residence
- Living as runaway children, abandoned or forced out of homes by parents/guardians or caretakers; or separated from parents/guardians for any other reason
If a student or parent believe they meet any of these conditions, they should contact their school counselor immediately. District staff who suspect that a student meets these definitions should immediately share any information with the school counselor, building administration or their direct supervisor.
Additionally, Finding Your Way in PA is a mobile and desktop app available to help connect students and families experiencing homelessness with local services and resources. Users can search for and request assistance with services and resources in their current location, local communities and throughout Pennsylvania to connect them with help.
Click here for more details.