BUSD HOMELESS LIAISON: Melinda Drechsler at 818-729-4467 or melindadrechsler@burbankusd.org   

Are you or someone you know in need of help and educational support for a youth or family in transition? If you know of a family that meets one of the following criteria, we are here to help. The federal definition of homelessness applies to families that are:

• Living in Shelters/Transitional Housing - Domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, youth shelters, trailers provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), housing paid for by programs such as transitional housing, etc.
• Living in Hotels/Motels - Staying in motels/hotels due to lack of adequate alternatives, regardless of who pays for the motel/hotel room.
• Staying with others - Staying with other people due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
• Unsheltered - Staying in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MKV) provides the following rights to students experiencing housing instability or homelessness:

1. Immediate enrollment in school even if the required paperwork is not available (i.e. immunizations, birth certificate, or proof of residency).
2. School selection to A) school of origin (if feasible) or B) the closest BUSD school to their current living situation.
3. Assistance in resolving any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.
4. Immediate enrollment in the free lunch program.
5. Assistance with AB1806 graduation requirements.
6. Assistance with school records.
7. Public transportation assistance to and from school (if feasible).
8. Referrals to community agencies.

 WIN is a free mobile and web app designed to connect homeless or resource insecure youth ages 12-25, as well as families, adults and seniors, to essential services- all accessible without a referral. Developed by Our Community LA with guidance from our region’s unaccompanied youth, WIN users can search a database of over 2000 essential service providers and connect to 12 categories of resources.

Click here to open the web-based version of WIN. It is also available for download in the app store on your iPhone or on Apple Play.

 BP 1020 - Community Relations

The Board of Education desires to help all district students achieve their highest potential regardless of their social, health, or economic circumstances and recognizes that schools alone cannot meet all the complex needs of children. The district shall provide support services for children and families to the extent possible and shall work with other local governments, businesses, foundations, and community-based organizations, as appropriate, to improve the health, safety, and well-being of the community's youth.