Students Experiencing Homelessness

“Children and youth experiencing homelessness” means children who have no fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. They may be found in the following situations:

• Public or private shelters.
• Public or private places not designated for/or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations such as vehicles, parks, motels, campgrounds, etc.
• Living with a parent in a domestic violence shelter.
• Individuals and/or families living with relatives or friends due to lack of housing.
• Living in transitional housing programs.
• Children of migrant families who lack adequate housing.
• Children abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care.
• Unaccompanied youth (under age 18) and children who have been abandoned or forced out of the home by parents or other caretakers. They may be in temporary shelters awaiting assistance from social service agencies, or may live alone on the street or move from place to place among family members, friends, or acquaintances. This also includes such youth from 18-21 of age who may still be eligible for educational services in regular or special education.

• School Choice If a student becomes homeless during the academic year or between academic years, they may continue in their “school of origin” for the rest of that year if this is in the best interest of the student.
• Eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunches
• Eligibility for Title I support services
• Transportation services arranged by Penn Hills School District
• Home/School Visitor (School Social Worker) to support and provide resources for the family.

If you feel you and your family is experiencing homelessness, please contact our homeless liaison, school principal or school counselor in order to receive appropriate services.