Homeless Assistance / McKinney-Vento Act

  • Does Your Child Qualify for Services?

    A student is considered "homeless" if they are presently living:
    • In a motel/hotel, camping ground, or similar situation due to lack of alternative, adequate housing
    • In a shelter
    • Sharing housing with relatives or others due to a 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

    If your student meets any of the criteria above, please contact the NTPS Families & Youth Resource Center or reach out to the Homeless Liaison or Navigators.

    Brenda McAferty NTPS Homeless Liaison 360-412-4902
    bmcaferty@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Gina Goddard Student Navigator
    Serving Timberline    		 360-412-4860 ext. 43806
    ggoddard@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Aaron Whitaker Student Navigator
    Serving North Thurston
    		 360-515-1920
    awhitaker2@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Amanda Yonker Student Navigator
    Serving River Ridge    		 360-592-9625
    ayonker@nthurston.k12.wa.us  
    Kelly Sommer Middle School Navigator 360-764-0776
    ksommer@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Teresa Moran FYR Center &
    Elementary Navigator    		 360-412-4902 ext. 35110
    360-561-2095
    tmoran@nthurston.k12.wa.us

    See the Homeless & Foster Care staff contacts for each NTPS school >>

    OSPI McKinney-Vento Program, 360-725-6505

    National Center for Homeless Education's Brochure for Parents: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

    A photo of FYR center staff with a tree in the background.
    Our Family & Youth Center staff.

    All Homeless Students Have the Right To:

    • Immediate school enrollment - even if they lack health, immunization, or school records, proof of guardianship, or proof of residency.
    • Enroll at the school he or she attended when permanently housed, attend the school where he or she was last enrolled, or enroll in the school district where he or she is currently living.
    • Remain enrolled in their selected school for as long as he/she remains homeless, or if the student becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year.
    • Priority in certain preschool programs. Parents or guardians are encouraged to seek enrollment in these programs.
    • Receive free meals at school.
    • Participate in tutoring and school-related activities.
    • Obtain information regarding free services, including clothing and medical services.
    • Transportation Services: A homeless student attending their school of origin has a right to transportation to go to and from the school of origin as long as he/she is homeless or, if the student becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic school year.

    Community Resources

    McKinney-Vento Act

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to appropriate public education and that they experience success in school. See more information on OSPI's website.

Office Location

  • The McKinney-Vento office has been temporarily relocated to 6620 Carpenter Road SE (NTPS Service Center).

    Need access to the Kids' Closet? Contact the Family & Youth Resource Center to set up an appointment.

    If your child attends North Thurston Public Schools and is in need, we can assist. Please contact the McKinney-Vento office at 360-412-4902.

HOPE Community Donations

  • NTPS keeps a HOPE account with community donations that can be accessed for a variety of student's needs such as clothing, school supplies, hygiene supplies, etc. Families can contact their school counselor or the McKinney-Vento office for additional information.

    This account is solely supported by community donations. If you are interested in making a cash donation, please contact Financial Services 360-412-4437.