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Mountainside Middle College High School

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https://mmchs.edcoe.org/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-Wellness/Housing--Basic-Needs/
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Mountainside Middle College High School

Life changes can make school harder, especially when your family is dealing with a move, money stress, or not having a steady place to stay. As our school's homeless education liaison, I can help you stay in school, get what you need, and connect your family with local resources. Everything we talk about stays private.

MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT

Does This Apply to You?

 

Under a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act, students who don't have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep at night have extra rights and support at school. You may qualify if you are:

  • Sharing housing with another family because you lost your home or can't afford one
  • Staying in a motel, hotel, shelter, campground, car, or trailer
  • Moving between friends' or relatives' homes (couch-surfing)
  • Living somewhere not meant for housing, like an abandoned building or a park
  • Living apart from a parent or guardian (called an unaccompanied youth)

Not sure if this fits your situation? Come talk with me and we'll figure it out together.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Your Rights at School

 
1

Enroll right away

Students can start school immediately, even without records such as proof of address, immunizations, or transcripts. Unaccompanied youth can enroll without a parent or guardian.

2

Stay at your school

Students who qualify under McKinney-Vento have the right to keep attending their school after a move when it's in their best interest, even if their new address is outside the area.

3

Transportation

Students who qualify under McKinney-Vento may be eligible for transportation help to and from school.

4

Free meals and full participation

Students automatically qualify for free school meals, with no application needed, and have the right to take part in school activities.

5

Credits and graduation

California law allows students to receive partial credit for work completed at another school. Students who changed schools after their second year of high school may be eligible to graduate with the state's minimum requirements.

6

College and financial aid

Unaccompanied youth may be able to file the FAFSA or California Dream Act as an independent student, without parent information.

RESOURCES

Help With Basic Needs

 

211

Call or text 2-1-1 for local food, shelter, housing, and utility assistance. Free and available 24/7.

Find Local Help

CalFresh

Monthly food benefits on an EBT card for groceries. Apply online in about 10 minutes.

Apply for CalFresh

BenefitsCal

California's site to apply for Medi-Cal health coverage, CalWORKs cash aid, and other benefits.

Go to BenefitsCal

National Runaway Safeline

Free, confidential support for youth who have left home or are thinking about it. Call 1-800-786-2929, 24/7.

Get Support

CA Department of Education

Information on the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness in California.

Homeless Education

SchoolHouse Connection

Resources for youth and families, including scholarships and help paying for college.

View Resources

HOMELESS EDUCATION LIAISON

Contact

Kristen Mastella, School Counselor and McKinney-Vento Liaison

Counseling Office · 530-295-8702
Students and families may contact me directly. All information is kept confidential.

Email Me