A number of federal laws help to remove barriers to K-12 education, early childhood education, child care, and higher education (including financial aid). All of these education laws use the same definition of homelessness. This resource is designed to help you see if you meet this definition of homelessness, and if so, how you can access education and other resources.
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The Definition of Homelessness for Early Care and Education
Under the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This specifically includes children and youth whose living situations fall into one of the categories below.
- Temporarily Staying with Other People
- Staying in Emergency or Transitional Shelters
- Staying in Motels, Campgrounds, Cars, Parks, Abandoned Buildings, Bus or Train Stations, or any Public or Private Place not Designed for Humans to Live in
- Staying in Substandard Housing
Additional Definitions
Accompanied Homeless Youth
If your situation falls into one of the categories below and you are in the physical custody (living with) a parent or guardian, your living situation meets the definition of a homeless youth.
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
If your situation falls into one of the categories below and you are not in the physical custody (living with) a parent or guardian, your living situation meets the definition of an unaccompanied homeless youth.
Temporarily Staying with Other People
If you lost your home or had to leave your home and you are now staying with someone temporarily because you don’t have anywhere else to go, you meet the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness. This can include a variety of specific situations, but it comes down to this: if you are staying with someone temporarily, and that person could ask you to leave at any time, your living situation likely meets the definition of homelessness.
Examples of Temporarily Staying with Other People
- Robin is in her first year of Community College and had to flee her home after experiencing physical abuse by her parents. When Robin left, she had nowhere to go, but thankfully a friend said she could sleep on their couch for a few days. Robin knows that her parents’ home is not a safe place and therefore, continues to stay temporarily with friends. Robin would be considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, because she meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act and she is not in the custody of a Parent or Guardian.
- Damien is a high school senior whose mother moved in with her boyfriend after being evicted from their home. Unfortunately, there wasn’t room for Damien and he was left with nowhere to go. Damien called his pastor to ask for help. His pastor said that he had a spare bedroom and that Damien could stay with him so he could finish high school. Damien moved in and even though he doesn’t think his pastor would kick him out, he knows his Pastor could choose to ask him to leave at any time. Damien would be considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, because he meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act and he is not in the custody of a Parent or Guardian.
- Bryan and his mother had to flee from their home after experiencing domestic violence. His mother tried to call the local domestic violence shelter, but there were no beds available. Thankfully, Bryan’s aunt said that they could sleep in her living room for a while until they figure out a permanent option. Bryan and his mother are staying temporarily with his aunt and they could be asked to leave at any time. They meet the definition of homelessness under McKinney-Vento.
Staying in Emergency or Transitional Shelters
If you are living in a shelter or another form of emergency housing, you meet the McKinney-Vento Act definition of homelessness. This can include domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, youth shelters, trailers provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), housing paid for by programs such as Rapid Re-Housing, transitional living facilities, etc.
Examples of Staying in Emergency of Transitional Shelters
Ebony experienced a devastating hurricane where her home was destroyed. After the hurricane, Ebony’s family applied for FEMA and they were approved for temporary housing in a FEMA trailer while they worked to make repairs or rebuild their home. Ebony’s FEMA trailer is considered emergency housing and she meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Carlos is a 5th grader who escaped domestic violence with his mother. His mother did not have anywhere to go, but she was able to get a bed at the local domestic violence shelter. Carlos and his mother are now staying at the shelter until they can find their own housing. Carlos meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Matt was kicked out of his home at age 16 after coming out as being gay. Matt had nowhere to go and googled shelters in his community. He found a program supporting LGBTQ+ homeless youth and called the number. He found out that they had a shelter and he was able to move in and stay temporarily until they figured out a long-term housing option for him. Matt would be considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, because he meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act and he is not in the custody of a Parent or Guardian.
If you are staying in a hotel, motel, camping ground, car, or any place outside/not meant for human habitation, your living situation meets the McKinney-Vento Act’s definition of homelessness.
Examples of Staying in Motels, Campgrounds, Cars, Parks, Abandoned Buildings, Bus or Train Stations, or any Public or Private Place not Designed for Humans to Live in
Riley is a 5th grader whose mother was evicted from their home because she could not afford rent. Riley’s mother has since been pulling together money every day to try to pay for motel rooms to keep a roof over Riley’s head. Riley meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Omar is a high school sophomore who was kicked out of his home. With nowhere to go, Omar has been sleeping in the dugouts of the baseball field behind his school. Omar would be considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, because he meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act and he is not in the physical custody of a Parent or Guardian.
Krystal and her family lost their housing and are now sleeping in a tent at a local campground. Krystal meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
(Video) Homeless Man with a Heartbreaking SignOlivia was kicked out of her home at 18 years old as a High School senior. With nowhere else to go, she has been sleeping in her car. Olivia would be considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, because she meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act and she is not in the custody of a Parent or Guardian.
Substandard housing is housing that poses a serious risk to the health, safety, or physical well-being of occupants. Examples of living in substandard housing can include inadequate sanitation, lack of water, lack of heating, unhealthy infestation of vermin or pests, fire and structural hazards, unsafe ventilation, and inadequate weather protection. If you are living in housing that doesn’t meet local building codes, or the utilities are turned off, it is generally not adequate, and you likely meet the definition of homelessness.
Examples of Staying in Substandard Housing
Jessica is in her first year of college. She found affordable housing near campus, but it has multiple serious utility issues (the plumbing and water don’t work and there is asbestos on the walls). She has to get buckets of water from a neighbor. She has brought up these issues to the landlord repeatedly, but he hasn’t gotten back to her. Jessica doesn’t know anyone else in the city and cannot afford any other apartment. Jessica would be considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, because she meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act and she is not in the custody of a Parent or Guardian.
Eric is 12 years old and living with his immediate family and some of his extended family members in a crowded one-bedroom apartment. Most of the time there is no room to play or do homework and the apartment is filled with food, trash, and other items. Eric has seen multiple mice in the apartment and has told his mother he doesn’t feel safe, but she explains that they have nowhere else to go. These conditions would be considered as substandard housing and Eric and his family would meet the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Javier is living with his family in a camper behind a family friend’s home. The camper does not have electricity or sewage hooked up, so they have to go into a family friend’s home to use their restrooms when they are able to. These conditions would be considered substandard housing and Javier and his family would meet the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Resources for PreK-12 Students
If your situation falls into one of the categories above, you have a right to go to school and to receive help with your education. Every K-12 school district is required to have a staff position called a McKinney-Vento liaison. This person is required to help students experiencing homelessness. If you are not yet experiencing homelessness, but you fear you may soon be, the liaison may still be able to help connect you to resources and help to ensure you can continue attending school. Here are some of the things your liaison can help with:
- Enroll in school, even if you aren’t living with your parents or if you are missing documents like your birth certificate or vaccination records.
- Get you signed up for free and reduced lunch.
- Help you get transportation to and from school.
- Help you access resources to help with school fees, school supplies, and basic needs.
- Write a letter that will allow you to apply for financial aid (FAFSA) even if you don’t have parental information (if you are an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth).
How to Contact your McKinney-Vento School District Liaison
Your school or district website may have a page that provides information about the McKinney-Vento Act and you may find your liaison’s email or phone number there. It may be helpful to search the words “liaison” or “McKinney-Vento” on the school website as you look for these pages. The liaison is there to help you and can be an important resource to help you succeed at school. You also can talk with a trusted teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or other staff member who can help you get in touch with your liaison.
Click HERE to find the contact information of your local homeless education liaison.
*Note: this contact information may change frequently due to staff turnover. If you have problems finding the right school district homeless liaison, please contact your state homeless education coordinator.
Resources for College Students
If you are experiencing homelessness in college, help may be available on your college campus. Resources vary by campus, but a good place to start is by browsing your university website or talking with a trusted faculty or staff member. Some colleges have programs specifically designed to help students experiencing homelessness, while others may have resources that are available to all students in need.
For additional resources and to learn about navigating topics such as FAFSA, student loans, accessing basic needs resources, buying a car, and much more, visit our Youth Resources Page.
FAQs
What is the difference between homeless and homelessness? ›
When we use the term “homeless,” we're implying that there is no hope for change. But when we say someone is currently “experiencing homelessness,” we're implying that it's something they won't experience forever.
What does unintentionally homeless mean? ›The council will check that you're 'unintentionally homeless', meaning you didn't choose to leave a suitable home where you could've stayed. Whatever council you approach, you'll need a connection to the local area.
What three words would you use to describe being homeless? ›- destitute.
- displaced.
- dispossessed.
- derelict.
- down-and-out.
- itinerant.
- outcast.
- refugee.
The council should consider you to be homeless if you live in a movable structure such as a houseboat or caravan, and there is no place where you are allowed to keep it or live in it.
What makes you technically homeless? ›SSA Definition of Homelessness
Homeless/Transient (Living Arrangement): An individual with no permanent living arrangement, i.e., no fixed place of residence, is considered homeless or transient.
The definition of homelessness means not having a home. You are homeless if you have nowhere to stay and are living on the streets. But you can be homeless even if you have a roof over your head. You can be homeless if you do not have rights or permission to stay where you are, or you live in unsuitable housing.
What is the legal definition of being homeless? ›According to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Social Work, homelessness is formally defined by the United States government as when a person “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and if they sleep in a shelter designated for temporary living accommodations or in places not designated for human habitation ...
What are the 4 types of homelessness? ›- Category 1: Literally Homeless.
- Category 2: Imminent Risk of Homelessness.
- Category 3: Homeless Under Other Federal Statutes.
- Category 4: Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence.
- At Risk of Homelessness.
- Documentation Requirements.
Unhoused is probably the most popular alternative to the word “homeless.” It's undoubtedly the one I see most often recommended by advocates.
What is the fear of being homeless called? ›Hobophobia is the irrational fear of bums. Someone suffering from this condition can expect to experience a very high amount of anxiety from merely thinking of bums, let alone actually seeing them.
What is a nice word for homeless? ›
However, we believe phrases such as “person who is homeless,” “neighbor in need,” or “person experiencing homelessness” underline the humanity and individuality of that person.
What are the top five reasons people are homeless? ›- ADDICTION. Probably the most common stereotype of chronically homeless people is that they are drug and alcohol addicts — with good reason. ...
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ...
- MENTAL ILLNESS. ...
- JOB LOSS AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT. ...
- FORECLOSURE. ...
- POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS. ...
- THROW AWAY TEENS. ...
- RELATIONAL BROKENNESS.
Your landlord needs to prove a legal reason for eviction in court, for example, rent arrears. The council might not treat you as threatened with homelessness unless the court makes a possession order.
Will the council move me if I feel unsafe? ›Your council or housing association could offer to move you quickly if it is very urgent. For example: domestic abuse. violence, harassment or intimidation.
Is sofa surfing homeless? ›You might be sleeping on people's sofas or floors, moving around from house to house or staying with people who are using or exploiting you. This is still homelessness.
How do you prove that you're homeless? ›Example of documents that prove homelessness (actual or pending) include eviction notices, notice to quit (leave) from landlord or letters notifying the homeless person that he must leave the property. Make a list of all of the documents and signatures that you will need to qualify for aid.
What's the difference between homeless and displaced? ›Conflicts and disasters are a cause of homelessness. Displaced persons, by definition, have to abandon their homes. Many of them have been forced to leave because of targeted discrimination.
What is the most common factor of homelessness? ›Poverty. On a global scale, poverty is one of the most significant root causes of homelessness. Stagnant wages, unemployment, and high housing and healthcare costs all play into poverty. Being unable to afford essentials like housing, food, education, and more greatly increases a person's or family's risk.
What are examples of homelessness? ›People living in severely overcrowded dwellings or inadequate forms of shelter that fall well below adequate standards, such as boarding houses and caravan parks, are also considered to be experiencing homelessness.
Can a homeless person get a job without an address? ›Having no permanent address is pretty much what defines homelessness. Most jobs require a permanent address from those they consider hiring, so not having one makes it more difficult to find a job.
What is the difference between a beggar and a homeless person? ›
A beggar is someone who begs for (usually) money. A homeless person is a person without a home.
What is the difference between homelessness and vagrancy? ›Vagrancy is the condition of homelessness without regular employment or income. Vagrants (also known as vagabonds, rogues, tramps or drifters) usually live in poverty and support themselves by begging, scavenging, petty theft, temporary work, or social security (where available).
Can the IRS make you homeless? ›The IRS does not want to make taxpayers homeless; however, they do need to collect the debt. They might recommend you sell your home in order to pay off your debt, or they might end up seizing it if they feel it is the only way to get paid.
Which living situations would be considered homeless under the McKinney Vento Act? ›The McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless children and youths” as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” Lacking any one of these three conditions would make a child eligible. In other words, if the residence is not fixed, regular, and adequate, it is considered a homeless situation.
What are the 5 tests of homelessness? ›- have been evicted from your home.
- are asked to leave by friends or family.
- must leave due to domestic abuse or violence.
- cannot stay due to fire or flood.
- are sleeping rough or on the streets.
- live somewhere that is not reasonable for you to stay.
Health care services must be appropriate to three stages of homelessness--marginal, recent, and chronic. An understanding of these stages can help social workers ensure that homeless people receive correct medical treatment and that they are assisted in reconnecting with mainstream society.
What is the least common type of homelessness? ›Hidden Homelessness
Individuals who live with others temporarily without a permanent home are considered “hidden homeless,” as it is often most unnoticed. Since they lack access to housing support resources and cannot be identified, they are 'hidden' from national statistics on homelessness.
The label of “homeless” has derogatory connotations. It implies that one is “less than”, and it undermines self-esteem and progressive change. The use of the term "Unhoused", instead, has a profound personal impact upon those in insecure housing situations.
Why is a homeless person called a bum? ›A bum is homeless, he does not travel and does not work. A bum is irresponsible, shiftless and often an alcoholic. The term bum is an American term that appears during the American Civil War, probably taken from the German slang word bummler, meaning loafer.
What is the difference between homeless and unsheltered? ›An unsheltered homeless person resides in: In a place not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings (on the street). A sheltered homeless person resides in: • In an emergency shelter.
What is Ergophobia? ›
: a fear of or aversion to work.
What is crippling agoraphobia? ›The uniquely debilitating characteristic of agoraphobia is that it is a self-perpetuating condition, often referred to as an “emotional and physical cage.” It effectively prevents the person experiencing it from doing the things that may bring healing—like taking a walk, taking a trip, etc.
What is Athazagoraphobia? ›Athazagoraphobia is a fear of forgetting someone or something, as well as a fear of being forgotten. For example, you or someone close to you may have anxiety or fear of developing Alzheimer's disease or memory loss. This might come from caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
How do homeless survive the winter? ›- Putting cardboard under you to create a layer of insulation between you and the cold ground.
- Get a mylar blanket. Put it between two blankets and it will help the blankets hold in much more heat. ...
- Fingers and toes will get frostbitten quickly! Buy some hand warmers from a camping store.
Several million people had been dispersed around the country, destitute and homeless. My wife and six children were left homeless.
What do the British call the homeless? ›Essential to the notion of a hobo is vagrancy. Though the OED is not explicit on the matter, the term has been far less used in Britain. Throughout most of the time that it existed in the United States, the equivalent British term would have been 'tramp'.
What is the hardest thing about being homeless? ›Talking points. For Simon Byrnes, 25, the hardest thing about being homeless for eight years was that moment of shame and embarrassment when others would find out.
What country has the most homeless people? ›Top 10 Countries With The Highest Homeless Population Rate In The World 2022. 1. Nigeria: Nigeria is a country in West Africa officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Is mental health a priority for housing? ›' You are classed as priority need if you are vulnerable because of your mental illness. You can also be classed as priority need for other things. If you are a priority need you should be offered emergency accommodation.
What are examples of landlord harassment? ›- threatening to change the locks.
- opening or withholding your post.
- entering your home without permission.
- removing or interfering with your belongings.
- violent or intimidating language or behaviour.
- persistently cutting off gas, water or electricity.
- demands for money that you don't owe or can't pay.
Can my landlord just ask me to leave? ›
Your landlord will have to give you notice if they want you to leave. They have to give the reasons why they want to evict you - for example, if you have rent arrears or you've damaged the property. Your landlord will have to go to court and get a court order.
How can I get council to move me faster? ›- Be as open and flexible as you can. ...
- Update the council of changes to circumstances. ...
- Ensure you're in the right band. ...
- Use all your bids. ...
- Ensure you're bidding for the correct type of property – by this we mean bidding for the type of property you will be given priority for.
A household member of a person who is vulnerable because of old age, mental illness, physical disability or other special reason also has a priority need. For example, if an application is made by a person whose partner is vulnerable due to a disability, the applicant is in priority need.
Can I call the police if I don't feel safe at home? ›If you feel unsafe at home for any reason, the first thing for you to know is that there are people who can help you, you don't need to deal with the situation on your own. In an emergency situation, call 999.
What is legally homeless? ›You're legally homeless if you do not have a home and you're on the streets. The council should accept you're legally homeless if you're staying somewhere very temporary such as a: night shelter. emergency hostel.
How long is too long Couchsurfing? ›Three days is a pretty solid amount of time to crash on a friend's couch. If you plan on surfing for an extended amount of time such as a month, try to plan for two or three couches per week.
Is RV living considered homeless? ›RVs are larger than trucks and are more likely to have interior space that include core elements of habitability like access to electricity, running water, plumbing, and heat. Thus, persons sleeping overnight in a habitable RV are not likely to be homeless.
What's another word for homeless person? ›stray | foundling |
---|---|
homeless one | vagabond |
tramp | vagrant |
gamine | hobo |
loafer | beggar |
Literally homeless individuals/families
Individuals and families who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, which includes one. of the following: • Place not meant for human habitation. • Living in a shelter (Emergency shelter, hotel/motel paid by government or charitable organization)
While the term is still widely used—and in some cases, preferred—by community members and the media, some argue that the term dehumanizes the people experiencing homelessness and flattens their identity into one stigmatized characteristic.
What do they call homeless now? ›
Unhoused is probably the most popular alternative to the word “homeless.” It's undoubtedly the one I see most often recommended by advocates. But it doesn't have a meaningful difference in connotation from the more common term, “homeless.”
What's the difference between displaced and homeless? ›Conflicts and disasters are a cause of homelessness. Displaced persons, by definition, have to abandon their homes. Many of them have been forced to leave because of targeted discrimination.
Is it OK to say homeless? ›New in AP style: Homeless is generally acceptable as an adjective to describe people without a fixed residence. Avoid the term "the homeless." Instead: homeless people, people without housing or people without homes. Mention that a person is homeless only when relevant.
What's the difference between a nomad and a homeless person? ›Homeless folks don't have homes. But digital nomads are 'without a permanent address.