Skip to main content
Office of Student Services » McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act can help provide school stability for children experiencing homelessness or who do not have a permanent home.  See below for information regarding Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program. 
 
St. Marys Area School District Homeless Liaison
Mrs. Sarah Schreiber - Director of Student Services
814-781-2131
 
The SMASD Homeless Liaison can assist with: 
  • School enrollment/placement 
  • Agency referrals  
  • Tracking/transferring school records 
  • Accessing educational programs and interventions
  • Interagency problem-solving 
  • Relevant literature related to homelessness 
  • Increasing public awareness of homeless issues 
  • Free meals at school
  • School transportation
  • Consultative phone calls to answer school, agency, and shelter questions  
 
If you are aware of or suspect a child is experiencing homelessness, please make a report to the SMASD Homelessness Liaison by calling 814-781-2131. 
 
 
 
 
PDE Education for Homeless Youth - BEC 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 has caused disruption and challenges to students experiencing homelessness and their families throughout Pennsylvania. Ongoing challenges include:
  • Family stress.
  • Concerns about eviction and overall housing instability.
  • Isolation and unsafe home environments.
  • Access to mental health supports.
  • Access to the internet, devices, and electricity.
  • Access to transportation.
  • Academic setbacks, lost instructional time, and lost credits.
  • Decrease in educational opportunities.

The ARP Homeless Children and Youth Program will assist to improve these challenges faced by students and their families experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania and support the goals and objectives of the Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program.

 

Miracle Minute
SMAHS Miracle Minute
Finding Your Way

Finding Your Way in PA

Finding Your Way in PA is a Pennsylvania-based mobile and desktop app designed to share services, resources, and information with young people and families, particularly those experiencing homelessness. While using the app, users can search for and request assistance with services and resources in their current location, local communities, and throughout PA to connect them with helpful support.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill 
Retail store - 31 Erie Avenue, St. Marys,  M thru F  10 - 7, Sunday 12 - 5 
Drop Off Center  - 100 Washington Street, M thru F 10 - 6, Sunday 12 - 4:30
 
Guardian Angels 
Offers new and gently-used items for families and school-aged youth in need in a judgment-free manner.
364 Main Street, Kersey, PA 
814-885-6192
PDE Homeless Education BEC 
 
Vax Teen 
Young people are taking control of their own health to put an end to preventable diseases.  Learn more at
https://www.vaxteen.org/
 
Pennsylvania Law and Consent Information
https://www.vaxteen.org/pennsylvania
 
 
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and families with low incomes — make ends meet.
 
How do I know if I'm eligible?
The income limit for the program is 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, this is $20,385 and for a household of four, it is $39,750 gross income per year. Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility in order to apply for these programs. Those who applied and were denied previously but have experienced a change in circumstances can reapply.
 
How do I apply for LIHEAP?
There are three different ways to apply for LIHEAP, and you can apply in the way that best meets your needs:
  • Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us.
  • Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page.
  • County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website.
 
https://dhs.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9f338c73cbc65f9e26e410ea8&id=9da21b7679&e=e9f5d05ddc
 
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps Pennsylvanians with low incomes pay for broadband service and internet-connected devices necessary to maintain reliable internet access in their homes.
 
No Fixed Address: https://susinnielsen.com/books/no-fixed-address/
 
Just Under the Clouds: https://www.melissasarno.com/books