The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the enrollment and education of homeless students. McKinney-Vento is intended to provide homeless students the same educational opportunities as housed students by removing as many barriers to learning for homeless students as possible. This includes immediate enrollment, even if the child/youth lacks the records required for enrollment.  

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homelessness as lacking a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.”

Examples may include:

• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

• In a shelter, car park, abandoned building, bus or train station

• In a motel or campground

• Living in emergency or transitional shelters

• Migratory children, refugee children, and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) will be considered homeless if they meet the above definition

Each homeless child/youth may be provided services, including but not limited to: 

• Fee waivers

• Possible transportation options 

• School meal programs 

• School supplies 

If you have any questions regarding eligibility or enrollment, please reach out to a student services staff member in your school building (school social worker/school counselor) or you can contact our district’s Homeless Liaison, Rachel Kumferman .  

Central access point that connects individuals with thousands of nonprofit and government services in the area. This is also the starting point for any emergency housing or shelters in Milwaukee County: 211

FoodShare income based resource to help buy food 

Tosa Cares volunteer food pantry dedicated to assisting families and seniors  

Tosa Community Food Pantry distributes food in the Tosa area on an emergency need basis

American Red Cross  assistance and resources following a home fire or other disaster

Community Advocates  advocacy and services to meet basic needs 

Housing Authority (City of Milwaukee)  affordable housing, rent assistance

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  housing support

Housing Resource Center  helps tenants and landlords with housing challenges

Mediate Wisconsin eviction mediation for renters and landlords

Pathfinders  supported housing and runaway/homeless youth services

Wisconsin Housing Search online search for rental housing