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. Chrissy Kuhar - Assistant Superintendent

814-781-2171

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 814-781-2171.

Definition & Signs of Homelessness

PDE Education for Homeless Youth - BEC

Frequently Asked Questions

SMASD Homeless Procedure Manual & Forms

2024-25 Homeless Procedure Manual.docx

Life is Uncertain

McKinney-Vento Act Residency Form

American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children & Youth- PA Program Resources

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.

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.

Elk County Resources

Elk County Children & Youth Services

PA Career Link

Ride ATA

Second Harvest Food Bank

Elk County Shelters

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

Additional Resources & Information

PDE Homeless Education BEC

What You Should Know About Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness

ECYEH

PA Food Bank

PDE Homeless Awareness

CHIP

Tips for School Staff

Pennsylvania's Education For Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Homeless%20Education/Homeless%20Poster%20Parent%20English.pdf

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

Immunization Guidance for Homeless Children & Youth

Early Childhood Resources

Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program

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.

Literature

Free Application for Federal Student Aid & Youth Homelessness