Homeless Services Program St. Vrain Valley School District 395 S. Pratt Parkway-LSC Longmont, Colorado Presented by Luis Chavez, Homeless Education Coordinator

Homeless Myths Homeless people are: A fixed population who remain homeless inevitably Mostly single men Do not work and receive welfare Mentally ill or substance abusers They’re to be blamed for being homeless Metro Denver Homeless Initiative

Homeless Facts Homeless are a diverse population 75% remain in the area they became homeless in 40% Have been homeless for less than 6 months 70% have been homeless for less than 2 years 38% of the homeless are children Many are victims of child abuse or violence Many have lost their jobs At least ¼ are veterans

Homeless Statistics 84% of the homeless population are families There is only one shelter within our school district that houses families. 14% of students experiencing homelessness are suspended from school, double the rate of other children 36% have repeated a grade * MDHI Recent “Point-in-Time” Study:

No Child Left Behind ONE CHILD, ONE SCHOOL, ONE YEAR McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Education Assistance Act *Access *Stability *Support Title X Expands the federal definition of “homeless children and youth” Defines rights of children and youth in homeless situations

Who are Homeless Children and Youth? Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus and train stations, or similar settings. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camp grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations. Awaiting foster care placement. Migratory children who are living in any of the circumstances described above. Abandoned children (such as in hospitals). Sleeping in public/private place not designed as a regular sleeping accommodation for humans. Living with others due to loss or lack of permanent housing as a result of economic hardship. Living in emergency or transitional shelters. Unaccompanied Youth Individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence, such as those…

Enrollment Barriers for Children and Youth in Homeless Situations Lack of a permanent address Enrollment requirements, including lack of immunizations Lack of transportation Perception of an unwelcoming school environment Effects of poverty including fatigue, hunger and poor health Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Prejudices/stereotypes

Rights of Students Living in Homeless Situations (Under McKinney-Vento) Attend school and receive access to the same public education as other children Stay in the school they were attending when they became homeless-school of origin Enroll in and attend their school of choice-existing students already identified Receive transportation to the school they attended when became homeless Enroll in school without giving a permanent address Immediately attend school while immunization and school records necessary for enrollment are obtained.

Identifying Our Students school year 763 students in the SVVSD were identified as homeless. 1% were Preschool students 60% were Elementary students 20% were Middle school students 19% were High school students Almost every school identified at least 1 homeless student. Infinite Campus System within St Vrain

Where did they sleep? Of our 763 Homeless Students 6% Sheltered 90% Doubled or tripled up 1% Unsheltered 3% Motels

Increase-Decrease 2011-Current694 students have been identified students identified students identified students identified

Serving our Homeless Students Identify the students Free/Reduced Lunch Program Support for Students and Parents Waving or Covering Some Educational Fees School Supplies and Backpacks Transportation to school Gas Only Cards Bus Passes School Bus Problem Solving Dispute Resolution Clothing, Shoes, Coats, etc. Prom Expenses Summer Programming Case Management for Unaccompanied Youth Inn Between Applications Referrals to appropriate resources

Who are “Unaccompanied Youth? Youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, including runaway youth. Youth who live doubled-up with friends, relatives, or with a friend’s family, even if their parents are willing to accept them back into their home.

Supporting Unaccompanied Youth Provide flexibility in school policies and procedures such as admissions criteria, attendance policies, course offerings, waiving of fees, and class assignments to encourage youth to stay in school Assist youth with emotional support, with access to community resources and with meeting special education and transportation needs Recognize homeless youth for attending school and acknowledge their extreme efforts to remain in school despite the barriers and struggles in their lives

Questions? Thank you

Contact Info: Luis Chavez Homeless Education Coordinator St Vrain Schools