Homeless Program
Waelder ISD
Homeless Program
The Waelder Independent School District Homeless Program is committed to ensuring that all children in homeless situations have the opportunity to enroll in, attend and succeed in school.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines “homeless children and youth” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Families in transition:
Families with children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:
Sharing the housing of other persons (doubled-up) due to economic hardship or loss of housing
Students living in temporary homes due to economic hardship. This could include, but is not limited to
Shelters, Hotels/motels, RV’s , Unaccompanied (not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian).
In some cases this does not mean that the child does not have a place to live or is living on the street. The child could be living with another family or with relatives, he/she might be moving from place to place, could be an unaccompanied youth, living in a hotel or motel, etc. Children doubled up with other families, students living in substandard conditions without running water or electricity, and unaccompanied youth who “couch surf” among their friends all qualify as “homeless”.
By Law every local education agency (school district) must appoint a staff member to act as a liaison for students in homeless situations. Often this person holds one or more other job titles. Janie Melchor is the person designated to be the homeless liaison at Waelder ISD. Liaisons are responsible for identifying students in homeless situations.
Students at Waelder ISD are identified through screening paperwork (SRQ’s) Student Residency Questionnaires which are administered to all students upon enrollment. The Homeless Liaison reviews the SRQ’s and determines whether the student qualifies for the program.
How we service the students:
All homeless students are immediately enrolled even if the child is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment.
Assistance is given to the child in attending his/her school of origin (the school that the child last attended)
Student is offered transportation services as needed. If they meet the eligibility criteria.
Educational services for which the child meets the eligibility criteria are provided.
Qualified students are enrolled in Head Start or pre-school. (BCFS) Baptist Children and Family Services
Students are offered programs in vocational and technical education, gifted and talented.
Help is provided in obtaining immunization and school records.
Students are provided services in the school nutrition program.
Support services are available for all homeless students, basic school supplies, basic clothing and referrals.
Resources:
211 Texas - Call 211 or go to 211.org for services in our area.
Jeremiah Ministry of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Waelder, TX 78959 – Food Pantry
El Centro Cristiano “Agua Viva” Waelder, TX 78959 phone -830-305-6789 - food and clothing
If you know of any student that you think might qualify for this program and is in need of any of the services that are available, please get in touch with the homeless liaison.
Janie Melchor (se habla espanol)
830-239-5613. FAX 830-239-5603