Project Home
Project Home is a program developed by WCSU to support students who are eligible for additional assistance and services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MVA). Our mission is to identify eligible students so they may access their rights under the MVA. All MVA students and their families are promised to be treated with compassion and respect.
In addition to the assistance provided as part of the MVA, Project Home is here to connect families with resources they need, monitor the safety and progress of MVA eligible students within our district, educate faculty and staff on the policies and procedures, coordinate transportation for qualifying students and help MVA children and youth obtain the clothing and school supplies they need.
What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act?
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal policy that ensures that children of a homeless individual and homeless youth have immediate and equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youth.
Who is considered MVA eligible?
The McKinney Vento Act states that a child of youth is eligible if they lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Examples include:
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
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
living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory according to Section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
What types of assistance are available?
Students that qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act may receive:
Assistance with school enrollment and transfer of school records
Essential school supplies and clothing
Referrals for services between the schools and agencies to meet the student's various needs, as well as the needs of their family
Information regarding rights as homeless children or youth
In addition, WCSU aids in securing clothing (gym clothes, winter coats, boots) and school supplies for McKinney-Vento eligible children and youth, as well as help with afterschool and summer program fees. Contact us using the form below if you have any questions.
Local Resources
Below are just a few places to find resources and aid for families in need. For help navigating these resources or finding additional resources, contact us directly.
Housing & Shelter
South Eastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA)- Focused on housing, utilities assistance and health navigation.
Groundworks Collaborative - Basic needs met with dignity. Groundworks provides those in need with a variety of supports including shelter, food and healthcare assistance.
Women's Freedom Center - Shelter and assistance for those experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
Legal Aid
Vermont Legal Aid - Vermont Legal Aid is where individuals and families turn when they face a civil legal problem that threatens their rights, shelter, job, health or well-being.
Food
Townshend Community Food Shelf- Open on Mondays at the Townshend Commons
Foodworks - Located at 141 Canal Street in Brattleboro, Foodworks is a part of Groundworks Collaborative and is open most days of the week (not Thursdays, Tuesdays are seniors only).
Farm to Family - If you qualify, you may get $30 in Farm To Family coupons that can be used to buy locally-grown, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh-cut herbs at participating farmers markets and farm stands.
Clothing, etc.
Caleb's Cherubs Educational Fund - Townshend, VT. New clothing. Call to make an appt 802-380-4926
Second Chance- Secondhand clothing in Townshend, Vermont
The West Townshend Country Store- Donation based thrift store and café
Brattleboro Area Hospice - Home to Experienced Goods Thrift Shop; also provides hospice services
Additional Programs & Services
Reach Up - Program from the VT Department of Children and Families helps eligible parents gain job skills and find work so they can support their minor, dependent children. Participants in the Reach Up Program may be eligible to receive a car via the Good News Garage
Health Care & Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) - Mental Health and Developmental Services center servicing residents of Windham and Windsor Counties
Economic Services Division of VT DCF - In addition to Reach Up, the ESD has programs for assistance with food, fuel, housing and more.
WIC In Windham County- Food, health care referrals and more. WIC is for income-eligible Vermont residents who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a new baby, and children under age 5. Parents, grandparents and foster parents may apply for children in their care. Or, if you or your child is on Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur or 3SquaresVT/SNAP, you can join WIC.
Affordable Connectivity Program- The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible houseolds $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also recevie a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Free Groceries for Kids & Teens All Summer Long!
Resource Databases
Vermont 211 - Connecting Vermonters with community resources. Emotional support during COVID also available. Just dial 211. Managed by United Ways of Vermont.
Help Me Grow - Resources for Vermont families with children under age six. Call 211 x6 or text HMGVT to 898211
Educational Resources
parentposter_eng_color.pdfContact Us
MV Brochure.pdfJoni Bertram, McKinney-Vento Liaison
jbertram@windhamcentral.org
802-365-9510 x105