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McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act


The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth.

McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students. Under McKinney-Vento and state law, students are considered homeless if they lack a nighttime residence that is fixed, regular, and adequate.

To help determine if a student is eligible, the school district asks two questions when a student enrolls:

  1. Is your current address a temporary living arrangement?
  2. Is this temporary living arrangement due to loss of housing or economic hardship?

If you believe you may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act please contact either:

  • Heather Hendershot (Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Homeless Liaison, Foster Care Liaison) by phone at (845) 615-6450 or via email at heather.hendershot@gcsny.org.
  • Student Registrar via phone at (845) 615-6767