What defines homelessness?

A student is considered homeless if they are presently living:

• In a motel / hotel, campground, or similar situation due to lack of alternative, adequate housing
• In a shelter
• Sharing housing with relatives or others due to lack of housing
• At a train or bus station, park, or in a car
• In an abandoned building
• Not living with a parent or guardian

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act (Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to an appropriate public education and that they experience success in school, including the ability to participate in all school activities. We have a District Homeless Liaison and four Student Navigators who help identify homeless students, provide staff training, and coordinate with other agencies to provide services. See more information >>

We are grateful to our many compassionate community partners who support homeless youth through donations to our Family & Youth Resource (FYR) Center, as well as the North Thurston Education Foundation. NTPS and Tumwater schools are also working with TOGETHER! and Rotary Club of Lacey on the new HOST Homes Program, whose mission is to provide housing to unaccompanied youth by January 2022. Visit the FYR Center >>