Homeless Education Program (HEP)

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) offers services to families and students experiencing homelessness through school-based and centrally-based programs.

The Homeless Education Program is located at MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet Street, and a school-based homeless contact is in every MPS school to assist families and students experiencing homelessness.

What is Homelessness?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines children, youth, and/or families experiencing homelessness as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.” This definition includes:

• Living doubled up with another family because they have no other choice
• Staying in shelters, including domestic abuse shelters
• Living in locations such as:
  • Motels
  • Hotels
  • Cars
  • Parks
  • Abandoned buildings
• Migratory and unaccompanied children and youth whose living situation meets the McKinney-Vento definition of homeless

Children and youth who meet the McKinney-Vento definition of homeless have rights and are eligible for services under The Act.  A few examples include access to free school meals, school supplies, school fee waivers, the right to stay in the school (the school of origin) they attended prior to becoming homeless.

Parents/guardians of children or unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness should discuss the situation with the school social worker or with the homeless liaisons in the Homeless Education Program in the Office of Student Services so eligibility can be determined and services coordinated. Call (414) 475-8911 for more information.

What We Help With

• Enrollment, including help in obtaining needed school and medical records and immunizations
• Transportation
• Free breakfast/lunch
• Tutorial programs
• Before- and after- school programs
• Books and school supplies
• Waiver of school fees
• Preschool/early education programs
• Translation and ESL services
• Referral to social services agencies, community resources, and other related services
• Assistance with appeal process if you feel your rights have been denied

Learn How to Help Support Our Students (PDF)

Resources

• HEP Unaccompanied Youth Request Form
• Milwaukee Area Guide to Community Resources – English
• Milwaukee Area Guide to Community Resources – Spanish
• Required Annual Training
• SOP for Awarding Partial Credits to Students Experiencing Homelessness
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Standard Operating Procedure