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District
  1. Student & Family Support
  2. Students Experiencing Homelessness

Students Experiencing Homelessness

Students Experiencing Homelessness

GUSD promotes school stability and academic success for students and families experiencing homelessness according to the federal mandates of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 

Staff who identify a student experiencing homelessness and students and families who are experiencing homelessness should contact the Student Wellness Services Department at (818) 241-3111 Ext. 1559.

Mckinney-Vento Homelessness Definition

Section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Assistance Act defines children and youth experiencing homelessness as individuals, ages 0-22 years old, who:

  • lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
  • live in a hotel or motel
  • live in an emergency or transitional shelter
  • live in an abandoned building, parked car, or other facility not meant for human habitation
  • share housing with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship (Note: this includes living or renting a room in a residence in which they are not on the lease/rental agreement)
  • live in a trailer park or campsite with thier family
  • are abandoned at a hospital
  • are placed by the state in an emergency shelter
  • are migratory children or unaccompanied youth who are not with their parents or legal guardians and/or are living in the above described circumstances

GUSD Student Wellness Services

The Student Wellness Services department works to ensure children and youth experiencing homelessness:

  • are provided with equal access to education programs
  • have an opportunity to be exposed to the California academic standards
  • are provided a free and appropriate public education
  • are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless
  • are protected from discrimination on the basis of their homelessness

     

Helpful Links

Students' Rights

Students experiencing homelessness may:

  • Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which they are eligible
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin if requested
  • Continue to attend the school in which they were last enrolled even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance area
  • Qualify automatically for school nutrition programs

Students experiencing homelessness may enroll in school immediately even without the documents typically required for enrollment, such as: 

  • Proof of residency
  • Immunization records or other required
  • Health records
  • School records
  • Legal guardianship papers

Support & Services

Services Provided for Students & Families in Transition

  • Immediate school enrollment
  • Enrollment in free & reduced lunch
  • Access to food pantry
  • Mental health counseling
  • Referrals to tutoring services
  • Referrals to address medical, dental and vision needs
  • Parenting classes
  • Transportation (Bus Passes)
  • Housing and shelter referrals
  • Shoes & clothing
  • School uniforms
  • School supplies & backpacks
  • Hygiene products & kits
  • Gift cards
  • Holiday Food Basket
  • Holiday Toy Drive
  • Holiday Warm Meals
  • Assistance with immediate access to technology
  • Case management and coordination of services between school site, district and family
  • Youth Employment through GYA & City of Glendale 

Community Partners

 A logo with text that reads Glendale Unified School District Student Wellness Services

Homeless Education Liaison

Dr. Narineh Khemichian, Interim Director, Student Wellness Services
Glendale Unified Student Wellness Services - Room 204
Phone: (818) 241-3111 ext. 1500