In a remarkable display of unity and commitment, educators from all over North Texas gathered for the inaugural Region 10 ESC McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Convention. Held in Plano at Collin College, this event brought together individuals committed to supporting some of the most resilient students in their communities - students identified as homeless. The attendees, many of whom serve as McKinney-Vento Liaisons for their school district, united under a common goal: to ensure that students identified as homeless, despite their circumstances, receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Meeting the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act, a federal law that requires immediate enrollment and ensures educational stability for homeless children and youth, was not just a topic of discussion but a call to action during the three-day convention. Established in 1987, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides services and protections crucial in eliminating barriers to education for thousands of children and youth who do not have a permanent place to call home.
For many school districts, identifying the exact number of homeless children and youth can be a difficult task, given their transient nature. Factors such as lack of affordable housing, natural disasters, and unemployment/underemployment are just a few reasons that families with school-aged children and youth could find themselves in a homeless situation.
During the 2020-2021 school year, the Texas Education Agency reported more than 93,000 students were identified as homeless throughout the state. The number of students identified as homeless in Region 10 during the same period was nearly 13,000, reflecting a reduction of 12% from the prior year. The COVID-19 pandemic attributed to such a significant decrease after several straight years of increases. With schools transitioning to virtual enrollment and classes at the start of the 20-21 year, many students who would typically qualify for McKinney-Vento services went unidentified.
Fast forward to 2024, and many of the pre-Covid factors that led to homelessness for many families still exist today and, in some cases, have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
“One of the big things facing families in my district is affordable housing. Enrollment has gone down in our district as shiny new buildings go up. Still, there is no new housing for lower-income families,” shared convention attendee Ashley Marshall, Dallas ISD McKinney-Vento Liaison.
The McKinney-Vento Act mandates that school districts identify homeless students, enroll them immediately regardless of documentation, and provide transportation to their school of origin if requested. This law also requires districts to appoint a McKinney-Vento Liaison, a role specifically created to ensure homeless students receive support during their educational journey. The liaisons play a critical role in coordinating services, advocating for the students, and facilitating access to resources such as tutoring, counseling, and extracurricular activities.
The convention theme, "Empower. Educate. Elevate." symbolized hope in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. Participants didn't just share strategies and success stories; they demonstrated the power of unity in addressing the challenges homeless students face.
“Being at an event like this with my colleagues always provides knowledge and new-found logic to better assist homeless students in my district,” stated Plano ISD Homeless Liaison James Thomas. “I’m here to connect with other liaisons to learn more about what they’re doing regarding transportation for homeless students.”
Throughout the three-day convention, participants were reminded of the importance of filling their own tanks to serve families experiencing homelessness. Mental health experts and ex-pro athletes Charles Clark and Anthony Trucks delivered powerful presentations on thriving and shifting when dealing with adversity. Community agencies, including Housing Forward and the Collin County Homeless Coalition, provided updates on their work in communities to meet the needs of homeless families.
As each convention day commenced, many participants noted that the gathering had reinvigorated their passion for their work. The collective energy and shared commitment to supporting students identified as homeless created an atmosphere of optimism and possibility.
“We look beyond academics to see what we can do to support the whole child. Sometimes, we see students struggling emotionally because their basic needs aren’t met, said Irving ISD MTSS Coordinator Yoely Alfano. “Our kids will never prioritize academics if their basic needs aren’t met.”
For all who attended, the convention was more than just a gathering of educators; it celebrated their unwavering dedication and a powerful reminder that “wearing the hat” as a liaison truly makes a difference in students' lives. As they prepare for another school year, these educators carry with them the inspiration and tools to continue their vital work, ensuring that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed.