LISD works to ensure the identification, school enrollment and provision of services and opportunities for academic success of students in homeless situations according to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, the term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

The intent of the services provided are to remove barriers to a homeless student’s ability to receive the same free, appropriate public education as is provided other students. It requires that homeless students be provided services comparable to those offered to housed students.

The education provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act, which are now incorporated within the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), ensure educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The law directly applies to homeless unaccompanied youth who also receive some special attention within the Act.

The Act’s Key Provisions

The McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) specifies and protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations. Highlights include:

  • Immediate Enrollment – The right to be enrolled immediately in school, without immunization or academic records, and birth certificate, regardless of district policy.
  • Transportation – Students in highly mobile or homeless situations are entitled to transportation to and from the school of origin, if it is feasible, in the student’s best interest, and requested by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth.
  • Services – Students experiencing homelessness are entitled to the same programs and services that are available to other children in the District, such as gifted and talented education, special education, vocational education, English Language Learner services, and tutoring. Students are automatically eligible for Title I services and Districts must set aside funds as necessary to provide services.
  • Dispute Resolution – If problems arise between the school and parents or between districts, the parent shall be referred to the school’s homeless liaison. In the meantime, the student must remain in school and receive transportation.

Other Provisions Included

District Resources

Community Resources

Austin Shelter for Women and Children

Austin Shelter for Women and Children Website | 512-933-060

Catholic Charities of Central Texas

Catholic Charities of Central Texas Website | 512-651-6100

Workforce Solutions Capital Area – Child Care Services

Workforce Solutions Capital Area website

Travis County information: 512-597-7191

Williamson County information: 512-244-2207

Foundation for the Homeless

Foundation for the Homeless Website | 512-453-6570

Georgetown Housing Authority

Georgetown Housing Authority Website | 512-863-5565

Head Start

Head Start Website | 512-255-4536

Hill Country Community Ministries

Providing assistance with food, clothes, eye exams, and other needs

Hill Country Community Ministries Website | 512-259-0360

Hope Alliance/Williamson County Crisis Center (WCCC)

Hope Alliance Website | 512-255-1212 | Hotline: 800-460-SAFE (7233)

Housing Authority of the City of Austin

Housing Authority of the City of Austin Website | Public Housing: 512-477-4488 | Section 8: 512-477-1314

Housing Authority of Round Rock

Housing Authority of Round Rock Website | Public Housing 512-255-3702 | Section 8: 512-255-1336

Housing Authority of Travis County

Housing Authority of Travis County Website | 512-480-8245

Job Source Program – Goodwill

Goodwill Website | 512-637-7100 | Job Line: 512-637-7105

Lifeworks Austin

Lifeworks Austin Website | 512-735-2400

Lone Star Circle of Care

Lone Star Circle of Care Website
AW Grimes Medical Office: 512-238-5400
Round Rock Health Clinic: 877-800-5722
Dental Clinic: 512-864-1445
OB/GYN: 512-828-3300

Mobile Loaves and Fishes

A program designed to help those coming out of chronic homelessness with housing and job opportunities

Mobile Loaves and Fishes Website

Reveal Resource Center (Food/Clothing Pantry)

Reveal Resource Center Website | 512-981-7721Twin Lakes Fellowship1150 S. Bell Blvd.

Round Rock Area Serving Center

Providing assistance with food, clothing, furniture, computers, financial assistance

Round Rock Area Serving Center Website | 512-244-2431

Round Rock Public Library

Free computer/internet access to the public

Round Rock Public Library Website | 512-218-5400

Sacred Heart Community Clinic

Sacred Heart Community Clinic Website | 512-716-3929

Salvation Army Shelter

Salvation Army Shelter Website | 512-476-1111

Safeplace

Safeplace Website | 512-267-7233 | TTY: 512-927-9616

Starry (Counseling services)

Starry Website | 512-388-8290

Texas Baptist Children’s Home Family Care Program

Texas Baptist Children’s Home Family Care Program Website | Main: 512-255-3682 | 512-828-0658

Texas Child Abuse Hotline

Texas Child Abuse Hotline Website | 1-800-252-5400 | TTY: 1-800-735-2989

Texas Food Pantries

Texas Food Pantries Website

The Texas State University Counseling Practicum Clinic (Counseling Services)

Texas State University Counseling Practicum Clinic Website | 512-716-4250

Texas Workforce Center (TWC of Williamson County)

Rural Capital Workforce website | 512-244-2207 | Toll Free: 866-518-0576 | TTY: 800-735-2989 |
Work in Texas website

United Way of Williamson County

United Way of Williamson County Website | 512-472-6267

Williamson County Health Department (Assistance with Immunizations)

Williamson County Health Department Website
Cedar Park: 512-260-4240
Round Rock: 512-248-3257
Taylor: 512-352-4109
Georgetown: 512-943-3640

YMCA

Travis Co. information:
YMCA Travis County Website | 512-236-9622

Williamson Co. information:
YMCA Williamson County Website | 512-246-9622

Social Resources

2-1-1

A free service of the Texas Health and Human Service Commission. If you dial 2-1-1 on your phone or visit www.211texas.org online, you will be connected to other free social services in your local area such as food banks, shelters, rent or utility assistance, counseling, childcare, services for seniors and the disabled, and disaster relief.

Food Benefits

WIC is a Federal program that offers free groceries and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, and breastfeeding women, infants (up to 1 year), and children (up to their 5th birthday). For more information about WIC in Texas, call 1-800-942-3678.SNAP, food stamp program, is available for qualifying low-income families. Apply for benefits online or by calling 2-1-1.

SNAP Benefits

Health Insurance Options

Children under age 19 of families with limited income and resources may qualify for Children’s Medicaid. Many health services are covered, but you must reapply for coverage every 6 months. If you earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, your children may still qualify for CHIP, Children’s Health Insurance Program. SKIP, State Kid’s Insurance Program, covers the children of state employees who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. For information on this program, contact TexCare at 1-800-647-6558.

Car Seats

Safe Riders is a program of the Texas Department of Transportation and Department of State Health Services. Low-income applicants can receive a free car seat after attending a one-hour education class. Certain restrictions apply, call 1-800-252-8255 for information.

Hurricane Harvey Resources

Contact Information

Kristen Sterling, LISD Homeless Liaison, ensures the identification, school enrollment, and the provision of services and opportunities for academic success of students in homeless situations.

If any student or family feels that they are in a homeless situation, information about rights and services is available at each campus or they may contact Alicia Irlbeck at 512-570-0364.