Homelessness Supports

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Helping Children in Lancaster & Lebanon Counties and Beyond

Children experiencing homelessness have the right to a stable education, and we can help put them on the path to success.

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program (ECYEH) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is based on the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This federal legislation ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate, public education.

Our team is committed to ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness have the opportunity to succeed in school. We eliminate barriers to education, educate the community about the nature of homelessness, and provide support to schools, families, and communities.

How the ECYEH program can help:

HELP with school enrollment and placement
PROVIDE community referrals
COORDINATE transportation and support services
IMPLEMENT tutoring and enrichment services
ASSIST with obtaining supplies necessary for school
SUPPLY training and outreach to school districts, families, and communities

McKinney-Vento Act

Children and youth are eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act if they have been displaced from their homes and are living in a place that is not fixed, regular, or adequate, such as:

Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
In a place not designated as regular sleeping accommodation, such as a vehicle, park, hotel, or campground
In a homeless or domestic violence shelter or transitional housing placement
Outside of his/her home as an unaccompanied youth
Awaiting foster care
In any of the situations listed above as the child of a migrant family

Your Rights

Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:

Continue their education in their current school, and receive transportation OR enroll immediately in the school where they are temporarily housed, even if lacking the paperwork normally required
Participate in all applicable school programs, including supplemental services
Receive free lunch
Receive assistance with school-related expenses such as supplies, clothing, uniforms, etc.

Learn more about the McKinney-Vento Act and the rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness

ECYEH Region 2 map

About This Program:
PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program: Region 2

The ECYEH program in Region 2 serves Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties, and is administered by the Berks County Intermediate Unit. The program provides assistance and conducts training sessions at the region’s intermediate units. Training opportunities for ECYEH liaisons include: