Homelessness Resources

What is Homelessness?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides certain rights and protections for families experiencing homelessness. According to McKinney-Vento, anyone who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence is homeless. 

Homelessness Includes Anyone:

- Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing

- Abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care placement

- Living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations

- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings

- "Doubled-up" living with friends or family due to the loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason

- An "unaccompanied youth" under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian

- Migratory children living in these conditions

Know Your Rights

Those Rights Include:

• Staying in the same school even if you move, and receiving transportation to that school, as long as it is in your best interest
• Enrolling in school immediately without the documents schools usually require and without a parent or guardian
• Receiving free school meals
• Getting help with school supplies, school fees, and other needs

Contact Morrigan Villa, the School District of New Richmond's Prevention/Intervention Specialist & Homeless Liaison/Foster Care, at mvilla@newrichmond.k12.wi.us, to find out if you qualify for help. Or contact your McKinney-Vento State Coordinator if you are unable to reach the Liaison of your school district.