GCSC provides services to students and families experiencing homelessness aligned with the McKinney-Vento Act. The McKinney-Vento Act ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless students.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. Any displaced child or youth who is residing temporarily with family or friends due to economic hardship or loss of housing, or is living in a shelter, motel or campgrounds, or is couch surfing.

Children and youth in transition who fit the McKinney-Vento definition have certain rights, including:

• Immediate enrollment, even if they lack the documents needed at the time of enrollment.
• Free meals and textbooks.
• Assistance with retrieval of immunization records and birth certificates
• Transportation to and from the school of origin.
• Referrals to community resources (i.e., counseling, medical, dental and mental health referrals).
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) verification letters.
• Participation in before and after-school programs.
• School uniforms and school supplies.
• Cap and gowns for graduating seniors.

If you meet the criteria above, please contact (219)881-5466