Homeless Student Assistance

The McKinney-Vento Act defines Preschool K-12 eligible students as children and youth who “lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence” and current nighttime residence is:

• Temporarily living with another person/family due economic hardship and lack or loss of housing;
• In an emergency or domestic violence shelter;
• In a residence with inadequate accommodations (no water, heat or electricity etc) ;
• In a motel or hotel due lack/loss of housing and economic hardship;
• In Transitional housing program;
• In cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings;
• Moving from place of place or couch surfing or;
• Due to being displaced because of fire, natural disaster or pandemic;
   

Students will be screened for eligibility by using the Olympia School District Student Housing Questionnaire. Students, parents, caretakers, or community agencies can request a McKinney Vento eligibility screening by contacting the McKinney Vento office or McKinney Vento Building Points of Contat at the student's school building.  

The OSD Student Housing Questionnaire is provided to all students enrolled at the time of enrollment. Currently enrolled students receive the OSD Housing Questionnaire on a yearly basis.

Student housing situations will change over the course of the school year. You can get a copy of the OSD Housing Questionnaire here (English, Spanish, Vietnamese). Contact the McKinney-Vento office for all available translations.

You can also ask your school office or school counselor to provide to make a referral to the McKinney-Vento office for you or your students.

Immediate school enrollment-even if they lack health, immunization or school records, proof of guardianship or documents to verify current nighttime residence

Enroll in the school attended when permanently housed; or attend the school where the student was last enrolled; or enroll in the school that is local to the student current nighttime residence.

Attend the students current school for the school year even if they change nighttime residence or obtain stable housing during the school year they qualify as McKinney-Vento eligible.

Receive free breakfast and lunch at school.

Students receive school transportation to and from their school of origin as long as they are unhoused or through the end of the academic year if they obtain stable housing.

Obtain information regarding community services for food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and after school programs.

Participate in tutoring and school related activities.

Community agencies can help students and families experiencing a housing crisis, economic hardship, and physical or mental health issues.

Here are links to comprehensive information about services available for youth and families in Thurston County:

• OSD Resources for Youth and Families
• Washington State Department of Health - School Safety
• Intercity Transit
• Washington Connections offers a fast and easy way for individuals to see if your student and family qualify for a variety of service including food and childcare visit: Washington Connection
• Washington Healthplanfinder offers healthcare coverage for children, parents/caretakers with children or adults ages 18 to 64 years old For information or to apply for benefits, visit WA Heallth Plan Finder