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.

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FAQs: McKinney-Vento Sub-Grant

Federal funding is available through the McKinney-Vento Act in the form of competitive sub-grants to school districts. The program awards competitive, three-year sub-grants to school districts to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, academic success of homeless children and youth. Sub-grants 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 Act sub-grant?

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

Are charter schools eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding?

State charter schools are considered an LEA and are therefore eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding. Local charter schools (i.e. charter schools that have entered into an agreement with the local school district rather than the state) are not eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding.

Can McKinney-Vento sub-grant 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 sub-grant 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).

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