Homeless Assistance/McKinney-Vento Program

Homeless Assistance/McKinney-Vento Program

Living in a shelter, motel, car, campground, on the street, or staying with family or friends (doubled up) because of money problems or being asked to leave your home, including being homeless because of a fire or natural disaster that made you lose your home, could qualify you for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Students who meet the federal definition of homelessness, used by all public schools in the United States, are eligible to receive support services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The federal definition includes children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (at any time during the school year).

  • Fixed: A residence that is permanent, stationary, and not subject to change.

  • Regular: A residence used consistently on a nightly basis.

  • Adequate: A residence that meets the needs of a typical home, including privacy, space, security, lighting, access to water, and ventilation.

Services Available for Students Experiencing Homelessness

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to stay enrolled in school, receive transportation, and access support services. SSN helps families connect with these rights and provides resources to promote school stability. Families and students can request assistance  by contacting the McKinney-Vento District Liaison, Pami Sprague, at 231.587.9869, ext 224 or psprague@mancelonaschools.org


Students experiencing homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, have the right to:

  • FAPE- Receive a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE)

  • Immediate School Enrollment- Assistance with immediate enrollment, even without typical documents

  • School Stability- Help staying in the school of origin, or what is in the best interest of the student

  • Assistance in maintaining school stability

  • Assistance with enrollment in school and transfer of student records

  • Transportation supports getting to and from school

  • Free School Meals- Access to free school meals

  • Basic Needs & School Supplies- Help with clothing, personal hygiene items, and school supplies

  • Full & Equal Participation- Support for Assistance with full participation in  school (extracurricular activities and sports) and college admissions guidance, including registration, FAFSA, and scholarships

  • Assistance with school transportation

  • Local Liaison- Support from a dedicated liaison to connect students, families, and school staff

  • Community Agency Referrals- Assistance connecting with community resources

McKinney-Vento District Homeless Liaison

Pami Sprague, Ed.S.
Mancelona Middle School 
231.587.9869, ext 224
psprague@mancelonaschools.org

Mancelona High School Homeless Liaison
Michelle Dingman
231.587.8551, ext 409
mdingman@mancelonaschools.org

Mancelona Elementary School Homeless Liaison
Melanie Griffore
231.587.8661, ext 314
mgriffore@mancelonaschools.org


Northwest Michigan Student Support Network Consortium

Mancelona Public Schools is committed to helping children and youth experiencing homelessness in our District. We are pleased to be part of the five-county consortium working together to provide free, supportive education-related services and non-academic supports to help students overcome obstacles that may create barriers to learning.