Students Experiencing Homelessness

SECURE Program (Setting Every Child Up to Remain Empowered)

Supporting Students and Families Experiencing Housing Instability

Hampshire County Schools is committed to ensuring that every child has access to a safe, supportive, and equitable education. Through the SECURE Program (Setting Every Child Up to Remain Empowered), Hampshire County Schools provides services and support for children and youth who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law designed to remove barriers to education and ensure school stability for students experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The SECURE Program works closely with students, families, schools, and community partners to identify needs, connect families with resources, and help students remain engaged and successful in school.

What Is Considered Homelessness?

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a child or youth may qualify for services if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include children and youth who are:

Living in a shelter or transitional housing program
Staying in a motel, hotel, or campground due to the lack of alternative adequate housing
Living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, bus station, train station, or similar setting
Sharing housing with relatives, friends, or others because of economic hardship, loss of housing, or other circumstances ("doubled-up")
Living in emergency or temporary housing situations
Unaccompanied youth who are not living with a parent or legal guardian

Families who are unsure whether they qualify are encouraged to complete the Community SECURE Program Referral Form to request assistance.

Student and Family Rights

Students who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act have the right to:

Receive a free, appropriate public education
Enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have records or documents normally required for enrollment
Attend either their local attendance area school or continue attending their school of origin when it is in the student's best interest
Receive transportation assistance to and from the school of origin, when eligible
Participate fully in all academic programs, extracurricular activities, athletics, field trips, and other school opportunities without barriers to participation
Receive assistance accessing educational services and supports available to all students

No student should be denied enrollment, attendance, or participation due to housing instability.

How the SECURE Program Can Help

The SECURE Program may assist eligible students and families by:

Helping maintain school stability during times of transition
Coordinating transportation services when appropriate
Connecting families with community resources and support agencies
Assisting with school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, and other educational necessities when available
Supporting attendance and academic success
Helping families navigate school enrollment and educational rights
Collaborating with schools to remove barriers that may impact student success

SECURE Program Brochure (PDF)
Referral Form for Community Members
If you suspect that a student could possibly be experiencing homelessness, then please complete this online report form to notify Emilie Embrey - Community SECURE Program Referral Form

Dispute Resolution Process

Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth have the right to dispute decisions regarding McKinney-Vento eligibility, school selection, enrollment, transportation, or access to services. Hampshire County Schools is committed to resolving concerns promptly, fairly, and in the best interest of the student. During the dispute process, students will remain enrolled and receive educational services while the matter is being reviewed. Families who wish to begin the dispute resolution process should contact the SECURE Liaison, Emilie Embrey, at emilie.embrey@k12.wv.us or 304-496-2300 ext. 1151 for assistance and guidance. For complete procedures, please refer to Hampshire County Schools Policy 3180 (link the policy here).

Resources for Schools

Every Teacher, Administrator, and Director should read:

The resources below provide guidance and support for school personnel serving students experiencing homelessness. These materials include federal and state requirements, local procedures, best practices, and tools to help ensure educational stability, remove barriers to enrollment and participation, and support the academic success of students eligible under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Staff are encouraged to review these resources regularly to remain informed about their responsibilities and available supports for students and families experiencing housing instability.

WVDE Students Experiencing Homelessness
Hampshire County Policy 3180 - McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
SchoolHouse Connection

Referral Form for School Employees

If you suspect that a student could possibly be experiencing homelessness, then please complete this online report form to notify Emilie Embrey - SECURE Staff Referral Form. (You may access the form by logging into your K12 account.)

If you have concerns and/or questions, you may contact your county's liaison at 304-496-2300 ext. 1151 or email emilie.embrey@k12.wv.us