Education for Homeless Children

Hurricane Katrina left more than 1 millions people homeless, including well over 200,000 school age children (over 135,000 in Louisiana alone). As families leave the most devastated areas, they will disperse to friends’ and relatives’ homes across the country.

As Mike O'Connor points out, "For children who have been traumatized by the loss of home, friends, and perhaps death or injury of family members, returning to school is not only important for educational purposes; attendance at a school becomes an oasis of normalcy for them."

Education Rights of Homeless Children - This article by parent attorney Mike O'Connor summarizes basic education rights of all “homeless” children and reviews the rights of children with disabilities. Websites at the bottom of the article offer more detailed information.

Resources for Educating Homeless Children

State Coordinators for Homeless Education - Every state is required by federal law to have a State Coordinator for Homeless Education. This person is responsible for ensuring the understanding of and compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in public schools throughout the state.

Homeless Education Online Forum - A service of the National Center for Homeless Education

National Center for Homeless Education - The Center provides research, resources, and information enabling communities to address the educational needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness.

McKinney-Vento Online Training Presentations - PowerPoint Presentation, sample letters, and many PDF information handouts for administrators and community workers

Grants for Educating Homeless Children

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program - Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 Non-Regulatory Guidance, July 2004

Updated Guidance for Homeless Children in the School Nutrition Programs - U.S. Department of Agriculture

Assistance Specifically for Survivors of Hurricane Katrina

Katrina Disaster Relief: Information for People with Disabilities and People Who Want to Help Them

Ways to Help in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - This is an incredibly comprehensive database of information for survivors of Hurricane Katrina and for those who want to help created by Meredith Warshaw of the Uniquely Gifted site. Ways to Help includes links to all kinds of disaster relief information - how to register with FEMA, information on finding loved ones, housing, donations, how to volunteer, schooling /homeschooling, and animal rescue. There is a section with Houston-specific information.

Read Meredith's Tips about Donating

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Local Support Systems for Community Members

Salvation Army

Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities