Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The main objective of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110, Subtitle B) is to make sure homeless youth have access to appropriate education while removing barriers that homeless children face.  Its goal is to minimize interruptions to the education of homeless youth.  The Lakeland School District is committed to working collaboratively with families and local agencies to support homeless youth in our school community. 

THE DEFINITION OF HOMELESS IS (MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT SEC. 725(2); 42 U.S.C 11435(2)):  CHILDREN WHO LACK A FIXED, REGULAR, AND ADEQUATE NIGHT-TIME RESIDENCE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE SITUATIONS BELOW:

• Doubled up" - Sharing the housing of others due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds, due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations.
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters
• Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live such as: Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
• Unaccompanied Youth defined as: Children or youth who meet the definition of homeless because they are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, even though they may have a permanent residence.
• Migratory children living in any of the above circumstances

If you believe you fall into the category of children in youth experienceing homelessness or know of someone who is, please contact the homeless liaison listed below:

The Homeless Liaison of the Lakeland School District: Mr. Michael Motsay 1355 Lakeland Drive Scott Township, PA 18433. Phone # 570-254-9485 ext. 1003. Email - [email protected]

Regional Coordinator for Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Mr. Jeff Zimmerman 368 Tioga Avenue Kingston, PA 18704. Phone # 570-718-4613 Email - [email protected]

Below are number of useful documents and material including; Lakeland's homeless procedure, a homeless intake form, local shelters and resources, and general information on what rights children in youth experiencing homeless have.  Also the Find Your Way PA  App can help users find food, shelter and other resources in their courrent location, local communities and throughout PA.