Getting started.
Who this helps
Students enrolled in Portland Public Schools from Pre-K through high school may qualify if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep at night. Situations include such as sharing housing after losing a home, staying in a shelter or hotel, or sleeping in a car or public space.
How to get started
Eligible students can enroll right away even without usual documents. The school placement is based on the student's best interest.
Tell the registration staff.
When enrolling the student, tell the staff member that your housing situation may qualify for McKinney-Vento help.
Call the homeless liaison.
Call the Portland Public Schools McKinney-Vento liaison at (207) 842-4635 about eligibility or enrollment.
Discuss school placement.
Work with the school to decide whether the student should stay at their school of origin or attend school in the district where they live.
Ask about school support.
Ask the liaison about transportation, meals, and taking part in school activities.
How they can help.
Eligible students may enroll without proof of residency or certain school and immunization records. They may receive transportation and free school meals, and continue at their school of origin or attend school in the district where they live.
- School enrollment without proof of residency or certain education and immunization records
- Attendance at the school of origin or in the current district, based on the student's best interest
- Transportation to and from school
- Free school meals
- Comparable education services and full participation in school activities
A few questions before you go.
Check how the service works, when it is available, and any costs. Ask about communication or accessibility support if you need it.
- Can my student stay at their current school after we move?
- What documents can my student enroll without?
- How soon can my student start school?
- Can the program help with transportation and meals?