Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY)

Kenosha Unified School District’s EHCY program is to ensure that all homeless children and youth are provided with equal access to the same educational programs provided to other students, have an opportunity to meet state and district academic achievement standards to which all students are held and are not segregated or discriminated against on the basis of their homeless status. This commitment to the educational rights of homeless children and youth applies to all services, programs and activities provided or made available to other students and youth who reside in the district.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homeless children and youths as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The law provides several examples of situations that meet the definition. This includes children and youth in the following situations:

  • sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
  • living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing;
  • living in emergency or transitional shelters;
  • abandoned in hospitals;
  • living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
  • living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places; and/or
  • living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory.

Rights and Services Provided to Homeless Students

  • Immediate School Enrollment even if they lack health, immunization, school records, proof of guardianship, or proof of residency
  • Enrollment at their school of origin (the school they have been previously attending) OR the public school in their living area
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested (per KUSD policy)
  • Free school meals
  • Waiving of school fees/fines
  • Participation in all school-related activities
  • Access to educational materials/school supplies
  • Referrals to community resources, support, and services

Parents or guardians of students experiencing homelessness or unaccompanied homeless youth have the right under McKinney-Vento to appeal or dispute decisions made by the district regarding eligibility, school selection, or enrollment.  In the event of a dispute, please contact the KUSD Homeless Liaison to initiate the Dispute Resolution Process.

Resources

Housing links

Community Links

Food Resources

Eviction Info

Crisis Lines

  • ACCESS to report suspected child abuse and neglect: 262-605-6582
  • Crisis: 262-657-7188
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or text 233733
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

Academic Support

Childcare

Other Support

McKinney Vento Act

For more information on the McKinney Vento Act please visit:

Contact Us

KUSD has two Homeless Liaisons who can assist homeless families and students with enrollment, arranging FREE breakfast and lunch, arranging transportation (when eligible), waiving school fees, providing school supplies, and assisting with connections to other community agencies that can assist homeless families/students in transition with their basic needs.

  • Janel Semon
    Social Worker, MSW
    jsemon@kusd.edu
    262-359-7396
    3600 52nd St
  • Maria Del Real (*habla español)
    School Counselor, MA
    mdelreal@kusd.edu
    262-359-6321
    3600 52nd St

The Homeless Liaison is able to explain educational supports, assess options for staying at the school of origin or transferring to the new resident/neighborhood school, and assist families in linking to needed community resources for housing and basic needs.

Policy

Brochure