New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students

Students who transfer schools often do worse in school than those who don't transfer. The McKinney-Vento Act can help solve this problem by allowing students to stay in the same school and get free transportation.

FAQs: Subgrant Funding (McKinney-Vento Subgrants)

Federal funding is available to help serve students who are homeless through the State Education Department's Homeless Education Program in the form of competitive subgrants to school districts. The program awards competitive, three-year subgrants to school districts to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and academic success of homeless children and youth. Subgrants are needs-based, and take into account the number of children and youth who are homeless and enrolled in preschool, elementary school, and secondary schools within the school district. (M-V Section 723(c)).

How can a school district apply for a McKinney-Vento subgrant?

A school district can apply for a McKinney-Vento subgrant from the New York State Education Department.

What types of services may be provided using subgrant funds?

The following are some examples of services that may be provided using subgrant funds:

• Tutoring;
• Expedited evaluations;
• Professional development to raise awareness and sensitivity to the needs of homeless children and youths;
• Referral services for medical, dental, mental, and other health services;
• Transportation;
• Early childhood education programs;
• Services to attract, engage, and retain homeless children and youth in school;
• Before- and after-school, mentoring, and summer programs;
• Payment of fees associated with obtaining records;
• Training for parents of homeless children and youths about the rights of, and resources available to their children;
• Coordination activities between schools and agencies providing services to homeless children and youths;
• Violence prevention counseling and other pupil services;
• Activities to address the particular needs of homeless children and youths that may arise from domestic violence;
• Adaptation of space and purchase of supplies for any nonschool facilities to provide services using subgrant funds;
• School supplies; and
• Extraordinary or emergency assistance needed to enable homeless children and youths to attend school.

Are charter schools and BOCES eligible to receive McKinney-Vento subgrant funding?

Charter schools and BOCES are considered LEAs and are therefore eligible to receive McKinney-Vento subgrant funding.

Can McKinney-Vento subgrant funds be used to pay for temporary housing (i.e. a hotel/motel) for a family whose home has recently become uninhabitable or to prevent an eviction?

McKinney-Vento subgrant funds should not be used to pay for rent or temporary housing for a family whose home has recently become uninhabitable. The family should contact the local department of social services (LDSS) for help securing temporary housing. However, if assistance unavailable from any other source, the district may use McKinney-Vento funds to pay for housing for a limited period of time (e.g. one month's rent).

For more information about approved uses of McKinney-Vento subgrant funding, please see pages 24-26 of the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program: Non-Regulatory Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education or contact the State Education Department's Homeless Education Program at (518) 473-0295.

back to top