The Homeless Children Liaison works directly with school and district staff in identifying children under the Steward B. McKinney-Vento Act definition of homeless children and youth.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines a homeless child as: one who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence; sharing the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; doubled up; living in motels, hotels, FEMA trailers, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternate accommodations; living in emergency or transitional shelters; abandoned in hospitals; awaiting foster care placement; having a primary nighttime residence that is not designed for, or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; migratory children may qualify as homeless for the purpose of this definition if the children are living in any of the circumstances described.

Once a student is identified as homeless, the Liaison may provide the child with support in the form of school supplies, clothing, personal hygiene items, emergency food, and other individual needs as identified. The Liaison also coordinates with community agencies and civic groups to meet the needs of homeless children and their families.

Thomas Butler, Homeless Children Liaison

Email

Phone: (352) 671-6847

FRS: 800-955-8770

TTY: 800-955-8771