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  • Kristen Fargason
    Elementary Homeless Liaison
    (256) 741-7423

    Nicole Burgess
    Secondary Homeless Liaison
    (256) 741-7456

Title X McKinney-Vento

  • The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act defines a homeless individual as one who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Calhoun County Schools’ McKinney Grant funds are used to provide services to homeless children and youth to facilitate enrollment, retention, and educational success. 

    What is the definition of "homelessness"?
    • A family living in temporary shelter, hotel or motel, campground, vehicle or living in substandard housing or doubled up with friends or relatives because they don’t have a place of their own due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
    • An unaccompanied youth who is a runaway or is not in physical custody of a parent or guardian, and does not have a permanent nighttime residence.

    If your family lives in any of the following situations, you may be considered homeless:

    • In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
    • On the street
    • In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or
    • Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing.

    To find out if your child qualifies for homeless services, please speak to your school guidance counselor, or call Kristen Fargason or Nicole Burgess at (256) 741-7423 or (256) 741-7456.

    • If your child is considered eligible for the homeless program, he/she has the right to:
      • Access to the same public education as other children
      • Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless, if feasible. If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision. Transportation would be provided if needed to the school of origin.
      • Participate in all programs and activities with students that are not homeless.
      • Enroll immediately in school. The school will work with parents to obtain necessary records.
    • Services are provided to students that qualify for the homeless program. Services include, but are not limited to:
      • Tutoring
      • Extended-day stipends
      • School supplies
      • Payment of class fees/dues
      • Payment of field trips
      • Clothing
      • Personal hygiene items
      • Referral for medical, dental, counseling, etc.
      • Free school breakfast/lunch
      • Counseling for issues related to domestic violence

    If you would like more information concerning the homeless program in Calhoun County, please contact Kristen Fargason or Nicole Burgess at (256) 741-7423 or (256) 741-7456.