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
    Lakecia Head Student Navigator
    Serving River Ridge    		 360-592-9625
    lhead@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Gina Goddard Student Navigator
    Serving Timberline    		 360-412-4860 ext. 43806
    ggoddard@nthurston.k12.wa.us
    Lorin Griffitts Student Navigator
    Serving North Thurston (M, Tu, F)
    		 360-515-1920
    lgriffitts@nthurston.k12.wa.us  
    Amanda Yonker Student Navigator
    Serving North Thurston (W, Th)    		 360-515-1920
    ayonker@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)

    The Homeless Youth and Family Outreach Team
    Front L to R: Lakecia Head, Teresa Moran, Amanda Yonker Back L to R: Gina Goddard, Lorin Griffits, Brenda McAferty

    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. http://www.k12.wa.us/HomelessEd/Posters.aspx

Other Donations

  • The McKinney-Vento office, located in the Raj Manhas Activity & Family & Youth Resource Center, 200 Sleater Kinney Rd NE, Lacey has a satellite clothing & hygiene bank, as well as school supplies for families in need. Please use the south entrance facing Martin Way and park in the large parking lot. 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.

    Visit our Family and Youth Resource Center page for more information on how to donate or access resources.

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.