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 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
- On Point Housing (269) 686-4703 or email [email protected]
- Home of Hope
- Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
- Open Doors Men's Shelter - Kalamazoo
- Holland Rescue Mission
- Mel Trotter - Grand Rapids
- Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women's Shelter - Grand Rapids
- The Ark Youth Services and Outreach
- Sylvia's Place
Food Assistance
- Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborative
- The Emergency Food Assistance Progam
- Feeding America West Michigan
- WIC
Misc
- Allegan County Community Links
- MI Bridges
- Project Hope of NE Allegan County or call 616-681-4673
- Christian Neighbors of Wayland (269) 792-2870, opened on Tuesdays from 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm
- ACHD Community Links
- Medical Care Resources
- Dental Care Resources
- Income Tax Assistance