In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Bethel Park School District is working to identify children within the district who may be experiencing homelessness.
The Act defines homeless children and youth as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes individuals in various situations, such as:
- Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
- Residing in emergency or transitional shelters.
- Staying in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
- Living in substandard housing without essential utilities or facing infestations.
Students experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance, including free school lunch, school supplies, and transportation to ensure they can remain in their school of origin during their homeless episode.
Parents or guardians who believe their child may qualify for these services are encouraged to contact the Special Services Department by emailing David Muench at [email protected].
Additionally, families whose living situations change during the school year are urged to inform the school to minimize disruptions to their children's education.