GMSD students experiencing homelessness
GENERAL MCLANE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPPORT FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
This page contains information pertaining to homeless services provided through the General McLane School District. Please utilize the information below to learn more about homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act. If you or someone you know may be experiencing homelessness, please contact your child’s school counselor or General McLane School District’s Homeless Liaison:
Mrs. Sarah Grabski
sarahgrabski@generalmclane.org
814-273-1033 ext 5901
WHO IS HOMELESS?
An individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:
- Sharing housing (doubled-up)
- Living in motels, hotels, trailers, or camping grounds
- Living in emergency shelters or transitional housing
- Unaccompanied Youth-Abandoned, Runaways
- Living in cars, parks, public places, abandoned buildings
- Migratory children (living in circumstances above)
WHAT IS AN UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homeless children and youths as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The law provides several examples of situations that meet the definition. This includes children and youths: Sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; Living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing; Living in emergency or transitional shelters; Abandoned in hospitals; “Unaccompanied homeless youth,” including any child who is “not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian,” including youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by parents or guardians, or separated from their parents for any other reason; Living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally 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 places; and/or living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory. Further, unaccompanied youth are also considered experiencing homelessness.
An unaccompanied youth means a homeless child or youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. This includes youth who have run away from home; been abandoned or forced out of home by a parent, guardian or other caretaker; or separated from a parent or guardian for any other reason.
WHAT SERVICES CAN THE DISTRICT OFFER HOMELESS STUDENTS?
The District can offer assistance with a variety of needs for each homeless students. Some of them include transportation, medical and dental services, food assistance, and more.
All homeless students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and should have the same access to all GM activities as any student would.
INFORMATION & RESOURCES
GMSD Board Policy 251 regarding Students Experiencing Homelessness
Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance
Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Edinboro Food Pantry
150 South Perry Lane
Edinboro, PA 16412
814-732-3663 (FOOD)
Help/assistance provided: The Edinboro Food Pantry is an individual site that distributes boxes or bags of food directly to those in need. A food pantry is a member agency of, and obtains food from, a food bank.
https://www.edinborofoodpantry.com/
Open: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Boro Women & Family Services
108 High St.
Edinboro, PA 16412
814-734-4237
Help/assistance provided: Boro Women & Family Services is dedicated to “Providing Resources And Support To Individuals & Families In Crisis” Rest assured that all services are free and completely confidential.
http://www.borowomenservices.com/
St. Francis Xavier Parish Food Pantry
8880 W. Main St.
McKean, PA 16426
814-476-7657
Help/assistance provided: Food provided for families in need
https://www.stfrancisxaviermckean.org/Food-Pantry.html
Open: Every Friday, or anytime by request.
CHILD CARE RESOURCES
Please see this attached list of child care providers in the Edinboro and McKean areas.
For additional help:
Early Learning Resource Center
Region 1: Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Venango counties
3823 W. 12th Street
Erie, PA 16505-3381
Phone: 814-836-5898
Toll-Free: 1-800-860-2281
Fax: 814-836-9615
The primary contact for essential employees is Chuck Lytle:
Email: chuck.lytle@nwirelrc.org
Phone: 814-602-1076
The fax number for Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Venango Counties:
814-836-9615
MEDICAL RESOURCES
Please see the attached list of doctors and dentists that have partnerships with GMSD.