Independent New Hampshire Journalism · Northfield, NHCorrection, Sept. 19, 2026, 2:52 p.m. EDT: An earlier version of this article said hundreds of New Hampshire students qualify under McKinney-Vento each year. The number is in the thousands: New Hampshire schools enrolled 3,519, 3,109 and 3,323 students who experienced homelessness in the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. The figure has been corrected.
McKinney-Vento Act: Protecting Homeless Students in New Hampshire
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, first passed by Congress in 1987, is the nation’s main law ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness can stay in school and receive an education without barriers.
What the Law Does
The Act requires schools to:
- Enroll students immediately even without typical paperwork like proof of residency or immunization records.
- Provide stability by allowing children to remain in their original school, with transportation if needed.
- Appoint a liaison in every school district to connect families with resources and services.
- Ensure equal opportunity, so homeless students can participate in the same classes, sports, and activities as their peers.
Who It Helps
The McKinney-Vento definition of “homeless” is broad. It includes children living in shelters, motels, campgrounds, cars, or public spaces, as well as those “doubled up” with relatives or friends due to loss of housing or financial hardship.
Why It Matters in New Hampshire
In the Granite State, more than 3,000 students a year qualify under McKinney-Vento, about 2% of all students, according to federal data compiled by the National Center for Homeless Education for the 2019-20 through 2021-22 school years. Without this protection, many would fall through the cracks—unable to enroll quickly, losing school connections, or missing out on vital support. School liaisons and local programs funded through the Act help cover transportation, tutoring, and counseling, giving these students a chance to stay on track.
The 2015 Update
The law was strengthened in 2015 under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), adding more training for teachers and requiring states to track academic outcomes for homeless students.
Bottom Line
The McKinney-Vento Act is about more than education—it’s about stability, dignity, and hope. For New Hampshire’s most vulnerable children, it ensures that school remains a safe and steady place, no matter what challenges they face at home.
References:
- U.S. Department of Education – Education for Homeless Children and Youths
- National Center for Homeless Education
Corrections: Granite State Report corrects verified errors promptly and appends a dated note identifying what changed and when. The corrections policy and the corrections register are public, and correction notes are never removed.
