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
Resource Links & Information
McKinney-Vento Education Rights:
Displaced, Doubled-Up, & 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