McKinney-Vento/Homeless Information
Wayland Union Schools is committed to helping our students who are experiencing transitional housing situations through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Each public school district and academy has a homeless liaison who assists with enrollment, academic support, and ongoing needs.
If your family lacks a fixed, regular, and/or adequate nighttime residence due to a loss of housing or economic hardship, your child might be eligible for certain education rights and services.
Local Liaison: Elizabeth Stein, 269-792-9153 ext. 2810
McKinney-Vento Act
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in transitional housing situations have the right to:
- Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best interest; the school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.
- Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment, such as birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunization/medical records.
- Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school gathers records.
- Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
- Attend school with children not experiencing transitional housing; a school cannot segregate a student
Resources
Always reach out to HARA opens in new window by calling 2-1-1 first, especially if in need of emergency housing!
2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people connect with resources. Dial 2-1-1 for services such as counseling, getting started with housing assistance through programs such as Family Promise, emergency shelter and more. English and Spanish speaking operators available 24 hours a day.
Housing Assistance/Shelters
- Allegan Homeless Solutions opens in new window
- On Point Housingopens in new window (269) 686-4703 or email [email protected]
- Home of Hopeopens in new window
- Kalamazoo Gospel Missionopens in new window
- Open Doors Men's Shelter - Kalamazooopens in new window
- Holland Rescue Mission opens in new window
- Mel Trotter - Grand Rapidsopens in new window
- Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women's Shelter - Grand Rapidsopens in new window
- The Ark Youth Services and Outreachopens in new window
- Sylvia's Placeopens in new window
Food Assistance
- Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborativeopens in new window
- The Emergency Food Assistance Programopens in new window
- Feeding America West Michiganopens in new window
- WIC opens in new window
- Go4Groceries Flyer
- 2025 WUS Summer Meal Program
- F.O.R. Helpline Flyer
Misc
- Allegan County Community Links opens in new window
- MI Bridges opens in new window
- Project Hope of NE Allegan County opens in new window or call 616-681-4673
- Christian Neighbors of Wayland (269) 792-2870, opened on Tuesdays from 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
- Medical Care Resources opens in new window
- Dental Care Resources
- Government Phone Assistance