Students Experiencing Homelessness

GUSD promotes school stability and academic success for students and families experiencing homelessness according to the federal mandates of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Staff who identify a student experiencing homelessness and students and families who are experiencing homelessness should contact the Student Wellness Services Department at (818) 241-3111 Ext. 1559.

Mckinney-Vento Homelessness Definition

Section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Assistance Act defines children and youth experiencing homelessness as individuals, ages 0-22 years old, who:

lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
live in a hotel or motel
live in an emergency or transitional shelter
live in an abandoned building, parked car, or other facility not meant for human habitation
share housing with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship (Note: this includes living or renting a room in a residence in which they are not on the lease/rental agreement)
live in a trailer park or campsite with thier family
are abandoned at a hospital
are placed by the state in an emergency shelter
are migratory children or unaccompanied youth who are not with their parents or legal guardians and/or are living in the above described circumstances

GUSD Student Wellness Services

The Student Wellness Services department works to ensure children and youth experiencing homelessness:

are provided with equal access to education programs
have an opportunity to be exposed to the California academic standards
are provided a free and appropriate public education
are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless
are protected from discrimination on the basis of their homelessness

Helpful Links

Search and Connect with Support
Student Night Time Residency Form
AB216 Foster/AB1806/AB121 Newcomer Diploma Policy & Waiver Application: English | Armenian | Korean | Spanish
Community Outreach Food Bank

Students' Rights

Students experiencing homelessness may:

Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which they are eligible
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin if requested
Continue to attend the school in which they were last enrolled even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance area
Qualify automatically for school nutrition programs

Students experiencing homelessness may enroll in school immediately even without the documents typically required for enrollment, such as:

Proof of residency
Immunization records or other required
Health records
School records
Legal guardianship papers

Support & Services

Services Provided for Students & Families in Transition

Immediate school enrollment
Enrollment in free & reduced lunch
Access to food pantry
Mental health counseling
Referrals to tutoring services
Referrals to address medical, dental and vision needs
Parenting classes
Transportation (Bus Passes)
Housing and shelter referrals
Shoes & clothing
School uniforms
School supplies & backpacks
Hygiene products & kits
Gift cards
Holiday Food Basket
Holiday Toy Drive
Holiday Warm Meals
Assistance with immediate access to technology
Case management and coordination of services between school site, district and family
Youth Employment through GYA & City of Glendale