Students experiencing homelessness

  • Eligibility

    The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that helps children and youth who do not have stable housing. If your family is living temporarily in another location due to financial hardship or similar reasons, your child may qualify for support.

    Examples of temporary living situations:

    • Staying with friends or relatives because you lost housing

    • Living in a hotel or motel

    • Staying in a shelter or transitional housing

    • Sleeping in a car, park, or public place

    • Living in a campground or a home that is not safe or adequate

    • Youth who are on their own or have been asked to leave home

    The McKinney-Vento Act ensures your child can enroll in school, attend classes, and receive the support they need to succeed.

    This law is part of the Wake County Public School System policies: 6200R&P, 6201, 6201R&P, 7105, and 7160.

    Why is this important?

    Students without stable housing often move schools more than once. Changing schools can disrupt learning, create stress, and affect well-being.

    Children in transition may:

    • Face trauma from losing their home

    • Struggle to adjust to new teachers and classmates

    • Have limited access to food, health care, and school supplies

    These challenges can impact a child’s success in the classroom.

    Contact us

    Call your McKinney-Vento School Contact or call (919) 694-0582 to contact the District Liaison. 

    Michelle Mozingo, MSW
    McKinney-Vento District Liaison
    mmozingo@wcpss.net or (919) 694-0582

    NC Homeless Education Program
    Lisa Phillips, State Coordinator
    PO Box 5367
    Greensboro, N.C. 27435
    Phone: (336) 315-7491
    Toll-free: (800) 659-3204