Homeless Education

The ROE 51 Homeless Program strives to ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to the same public and preschool programs as housed students. Hundreds of children and youth in Sangamon and Menard Counties do not have a home of their own. Their parent, guardian or caregiver cannot afford to have their own place. Some homeless students are teens on their own. These unaccompanied youth often "couch surf" living apart from their parents or guardians in unstable or inadequate living situations.

In Sangamon and Menard Counties, most of these students live doubled-up with family or friends, moving from place to place. Other families with housing crisis are living in motels, campgrounds, automobiles or other unsuitable arrangements. Consistent attendance at school can be extremely challenging unless the family and school are in constant communication about the transitional living situation. Parents and someone on school staff that the family feels comfortable with must talk regularly.

Contact Us:

Emily Wetherell
Homeless Education Coordinator
Phone: 217 753-6620

Email Emily Wetherell

Resource Links & Information

McKinney-Vento Education Rights:
Displaced, Doubled-Up, & Homeless Children & Youth

Who are Homeless Children & Youth?

District Homeless Liaisons

District Homeless Liaison List

Links for School Staff & Administrators:

IL MKV Homeless Education Program

Common FAQs: Education Rights of Children & Youth in Homeless Situations

Identifying Students in Homeless Situations

McKinney-Vento Toolbox: Creating a Robust & Rigorous Homeless Education Program

Helping Homeless Unaccompanied Youth Access College Financial Aid

ISBE Homeless Education Forms

Handouts from Homeless Training

McKinney Vento Program Elements

Homeless Sensitivity Survey

Liason Responsibilities Pop Quiz

McKinney Vento Homeless Education Common Form - ISBE Form 83-01

LEA Liasons and Resources

Liason Training Powerpoint

General Information

Micropantry Locations

Riverton High School
841 N. 3rd Street
Riverton, IL
*Micropantry is located by the front door.  
Donation drop off: 
Riverton Chritian Church
1245 N. 7th Street
Riverton, IL

 

Southeast High School
2350 E. Ash Street
Springfield, IL 

 

Downtown Springfield
Department of Public Health (Bell Building)
422 S, 5th Street
Springfield, IL

 

Chatham VFW
501 W. Mulberry Street
Chatham, IL