Homeless Student Services
The mission of the Department of Public Instruction Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program is to ensure educational equity and success for students experiencing homelessness by providing support under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which defines homeless children and youth as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Examples within the law include children and youth in the following situations:
Staying with Others
Your family may be sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
Living in a Shelter
Your family may be staying at a homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, or living in transitional housing.
Staying in a Motel/Hotel
Your family may be staying in a motel/hotel due to a lack of adequate alternatives.
Unsheltered
Your family may be staying in a vehicle, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, or another place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the School District of Black River Falls provides support for families in transition including:
*The ability for students to continue to attend the school of origin (the school they have been attending) even if they move outside of the district boundaries.
*Assessment of needed transportation support to/from the school of origin.
*Free school meals and device insurance.
*Waiver of school fees.
*Access to educational materials and supplies.
*Immediate school enrollment and assistance in obtaining missing documentation.
*Link to community resources, support, and services.
Questions?
Please contact our District Homeless Liaison:
Vicki Michalski, School Social Worker
Phone: (715) 670-1427
Email: vicki.michalski@brf.org
Office Location: Gebhardt School
The Liaison is key to ensuring families experiencing homelessness receive the services they need. Students experiencing homelessness must qualify for McKinney-Vento support through the Liaison each school year by completing the Residence Questionnaire. The Liaison can serve as the primary contact between families, schools, staff, shelter workers, and other service providers. Families and/or students can self-identify or school staff can refer students for qualification and support.