This July marked the 38th anniversary of the McKinney-Vento Act — a landmark law passed just six months before BEDS Plus was founded. The Act ensures that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to public education, regardless of their housing situation. It’s a milestone worth celebrating, especially as so many families in our community continue to face housing instability.
Before the law passed, public schools could turn away students without a permanent address, delay their enrollment, or exclude them from classrooms and extracurricular activities. For children already facing uncertainty, that lack of access often added trauma and widened opportunity gaps that followed them into adulthood.
How Homelessness Impacts Children
Research has shown that children experiencing homelessness are at greater risk for:
- Hunger and malnutrition
- Developmental delays
- Anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges
- Falling behind in school
- Social stigma and isolation
Without intervention, these challenges can have lifelong effects. But with the right support, school can be a source of stability — and even hope.
What the McKinney-Vento Act Does
The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that students experiencing homelessness can enroll and stay in school, even if they don’t have documents or a permanent address. It also provides states and school districts with resources to support these students through:
- Free transportation to school
- School supplies and hygiene items
- Tutoring and academic support
- Counseling and mental health services
- Connections to local services and housing support
How BEDS Partners with Schools
Under McKinney-Vento, every school district has a liaison dedicated to helping students experiencing homelessness. At BEDS, we work directly with these professionals to support families through housing crises.
One of our strongest partnerships is with Summit School District 104. Meredith Schilsky, the district’s Lead Social Worker and McKinney-Vento Liaison, has worked closely with our Family Programs Manager, Chris Hart, to ensure students and families get the support they need — from enrollment and transportation to meals and case management.
“The support we give through McKinney-Vento can change everything for a child,” says Schilsky. “It means they can keep going to the same school, keep their friendships, and have something that feels consistent during an unstable time.”
Why This Work Matters — Now More Than Ever
In early 2025, an executive order proposed major changes to the Department of Education, potentially affecting oversight and funding tied to McKinney-Vento protections. According to SchoolHouse Connection, the Department plays a vital role in evaluating state plans, awarding grants, and offering guidance to schools across the country.
Although recent legislative efforts have protected current funding, uncertainty remains. If these protections weaken or disappear, school districts may lose the tools they need to support children experiencing homelessness.
“It would be devastating,” Schilsky adds. “Without these supports, children will miss out not only on education but also the stability and care that schools provide during incredibly difficult times.”
How You Can Help?
At BEDS Plus, we see every day how essential education is for children in crisis. We’re committed to working with schools, social workers, and families to ensure students experiencing homelessness have the tools they need to grow and succeed.
You can be part of this effort:
- Reach out to your representatives and voice support for McKinney-Vento protections.
- Make a gift to support our programs that help families navigate housing and
education challenges.
- Donate school supplies or basic care kits to help students start the year strong.
We encourage you to contact your federal legislators in support of the McKinney-Vento Act.As always, you can directly support students experiencing homelessness in our programs by making a financial donation here or in-kind gift.