Homelessness Under The McKinney-Vento Act: Definition And Signs Of Homelessness For Schools

What is the definition of homelessness for schools, and what are some common signs of homelessness? This resource covers both topics.

What is the definition of homelessness?

Lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Homeless living situations include:

Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
Staying in emergency or transitional shelters
Sleeping in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

What are signs of homelessness?

Enrollment at multiple schools, lack of records, gaps in learning, poor/inconsistent attendance, talking about frequent moves.
Poor hygiene, unmet medical/dental needs, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, fatigue, hoarding food.
Social and behavioral challenges, such as extreme shyness, withdrawal, or aggression; clinginess; difficulty with peer and/or adult relationships; poor attention span; anxiety late in the school day.
Lack of participation in field trips and/or afterschool activities, lack of basic school supplies, inability to complete special projects.