Homeless/Foster Youth

 
 
Contact:
 
Carlos Diaz
831-392-3928
McKinney-Vento Liaison & Family Resource Center (1295 La Salle Ave. Seaside, CA 93955) 
 
Student Support Services

Provide comprehensive and rehabilitative services to our most vulnerable students by advocating for successful transitions, re-engagement, and social emotional awareness, leading to academic achievement as well as maximizing post-secondary options.     

Homeless Education and Family Resource Center 

The Homeless Education and Family Resource Center was designed to provide assistance to homeless students and families in compliance with the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act, an integral part of No Child Left Behind. In the FRC personnel work in collaboration with school personnel and community service agencies in an effort to maximize access to various educational, social and enrichment programs which promote academic success and student achievement. 

Objectives

  • Provide ongoing training, technical assistance and advocacy district wide to ensure federal statutes and district policy is being followed in regards to homeless students in the MPUSD.
  • Remove barriers to academic success for McKinney Vento eligible students by providing needed supplies such as backpacks, school supplies, clothing, transportation, free lunch program, etc.
  • Educate students and parents on their educational rights.
  • Promote parent participation in school related activities. 
  • Each student at the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment at any Monterey campus must complete a form called the Student Residence Questionnaire, form included in the student registration forms package and according with the answers you may qualify for the McKinney-Vento Program.
 
What is McKinney–Vento?
 
McKinney–Vento is a federal law that offers rights and protection to families in difficult or transitional living situations.
 
Common living situations that fall under the law are:
 
  • Double-up: sharing housing with families or friends
  • Renting a room in another person’s or family’s apartment or house 
  • Staying in hotels or motels
  • Living in cars, parks, or other places not designed for regular sleeping
  • Staying in shelters or housing programs 
  • Moving from place to place due to lack of stable housing 
  • Youth living with someone other than their parent or legal guardian
 
What rights does my child get under McKinney-Vento?
 
  • Enrollment in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrolment, such as a birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunizations/medical records
  • Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in the best interest (the school of origin is the school the child attended when they were permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled)
  • Receive transportation to and the from school if getting to school is a hardship 
  • Receive free lunch program
  • Receive free school supplies
 
Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school gathers records.
 
Each school district has a McKinney-Vento liaison whose role is to ensure both you and your child’s rights are being met, and to offer any help you may need outside of education, including assisting with clothing, food and housing. If you have any questions, need additional support with either school or outside resources, or believe you have been incorrectly identified as McKinney-Vento status, please reach out to your district McKinney-Vento liaison:
 
Contact:
Carlos Diaz
831-392-3928
McKinney-Vento Liaison & Family Resource Center (1295 La Salle Ave. Seaside, CA 93955) 
 

Pay It Forward During the Winter

Many families and students in MPUSD are either homeless or facing great challenges. Carlos Diaz, Homeless Liaison for MPUSD, coordinates direct efforts to these families needing extra help and identified under the McKinney-Vento Program, a federal program used to determine those who qualify to receive assistance. 

The Expanded Learning Opportunities programs that provide After School Care (ASA and ASCA) have launched a “PAY IT FORWARD” campaign this school year. 

A container will be placed in the After School Offices (also at the District Services Center located outside of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Office). Donations, such as personal needs items and new or gently worn warm garments such as coats, sweaters, jackets, socks, mittens and scarves, are welcome.

Help spread the word. We can help make the world a better place and serve as an example to our students. It doesn’t take much to make a huge difference in the lives of others.  Any help you can provide is very much appreciated! 

Below is a list of many items that are considered personal needs:

  • Personal Hygiene & Grooming Products
  • Baby Wipes
  • Dental Floss, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste
  • Deodorants
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Lice Shampoo & Lice Combs
  • Nail Cutters/Trimmer
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Disposable Razors
  • Soap or Body Wash