The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” 

If your family lives in any of the following situations, your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney Vento Act:

• In a shelter
• In a motel or campground dur to the lack of an alternative adequate accomodation
• In a car, park, abandoned building, or a bus or train station
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
• If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liason to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.