The mission of the Families and Youth in Transition Program is to ensure that every displaced child and youth experiencing homelessness receives free, appropriate, public educational opportunities; to provide training and support to schools, shelters, and the community; and to increase awareness about the issues experienced by children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
Every DCPS school has a McKinney-Vento Liaison who supports students who are displaced. The liaison can assist students and families with transportation, school uniforms, and school supplies, and provide information about in-school or community-based resources.
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students may qualify for support if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence. This includes:
- Sheltered – Living in emergency or transitional shelters.
- Unsheltered – Living in places not meant for housing, such as cars, parks, or abandoned buildings.
- Hotel/Motel – Temporarily staying in hotels or motels due to lack of alternative housing.
- Doubled-Up – Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
These housing situations help schools identify students experiencing housing instability and ensure you receive the educational rights and services they are entitled to.
How to Get Help/Support
Contact your school’s McKinney-Vento (MKV) Liaison.
Each school has an identified school-based MKV liaison who receives training on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This staff member is responsible for protecting the rights of students experiencing homelessness and providing needed supports like enrollment and transportation. To identify your liaison, visit the Provider Directory here.
You can also download the list of liaisons here.
Unaccompanied Youth
If you are a student who is living on their own without a parent or legal guardian, you are eligible for support under McKinney-Vento. If this applies to you or someone you know, support may be available for school enrollment, staying in school, and connecting to helpful resources through the school and the Families and Youth in Transition Program (FYTP).
Dispute Resolution Support
If you have a concern or disagree with a decision about McKinney-Vento eligibility, such as school enrollment/school placement or transportation or services, please reach out to your school’s McKinney-Vento Liaison. The Families and Youth in Transition Program (FYTP) will work with you and the school to help review the concern, support mediation, and seek a timely, student-centered resolution.
Click here for a copy of the Dispute Resolution Form.
If you are having trouble enrolling your child in school, please contact the Families and Youth in Transition Program at (202) 576-9502. You can also book a virtual appointment with us by clicking here.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Resources
- Know Your Enrollment Rights[PDF]
- Amharic | Chinese | French | Spanish | Vietnamese
- Homeless Children and Youth Educational Rights Public Notice[PDF]
- Amharic | Chinese | French | Spanish | Vietnamese
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Education for Homeless Children and Youth Non-Regulatory Guidance
Contact the Families and Youth in Transition Program
Program Email – [email protected]
Program Number – 202-576-9502
DeNeiro Sanders
Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-579-5403
Aaliyaha Alford
Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-270-1211
If you need emergency shelter, please contact:
For Youth Between the Ages of 11-17
Sasha Bruce Youthwork – Bruce House
Sasha Bruce House provides 24/7 emergency shelter and supportive services for youth ages 11–17 experiencing homelessness or in crisis. Services include shelter, meals, counseling, case management, and help connecting youth to safe, stable housing.
Contact: 1022 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002 | (202) 547-7777 | [email protected]
For Transitional Aged Youth Between the Ages of 18-24
Covenant House Greater Washington – The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary provides emergency overnight shelter for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness in DC. Youth can contact the program directly to ask about entry, availability, and connections to additional housing support.
Contact: 511 Mellon Street SE, Washington, DC 20032 | (202) 560-5965
Covenant House Greater Washington – SHINE (LGBTQIA+ Youth)
The SHINE is a 90-day residential shelter program for LGBTQ+ youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness in the DC area. The program offers a safe, affirming place to stay along with supportive services to help young adults work toward stability and independence.
Contact: (202) 506-2432 | Main Office: 2001 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
Youth Drop-In Centers
Drop-In Centers are facilities that offer youth-specific day services to young people facing housing crises. The drop-in center uses a Housing First approach to move youth into housing by connecting them with supportive services and resources.
Resources at the following providers vary but may include food, clothing, laundry services, showers, case management, and referrals to other services.
- Latin American Youth Center
3045 15th Street NW - 202-713-0475
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork Capitol Hill
741 8th Street, SE - 202-675-9340
- Zoe's Doors
900 Rhode Island Ave NE - 202-248-2098
Click here for additional Youth Homeless Services
Emergency Shelter and Housing for Families
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
64 New York Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 414-7798
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM and Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Services: Intake center for all emergency shelters, community resources, public benefits, case management.
Hypothermia/Emergency Shelter Hotline
Phone Number: (202) 399-7093 or 311
Notes: When the temperature falls below 32° Fahrenheit between November 1 and March 31, all people who are displaced must be housed in the District. After 3:30 p.m. and on weekends, during extreme temperature alerts (any hour), families should call the Shelter Hotline for transportation to the DC General Family Shelter or other available family shelter. The Shelter Hotline is operated by the United Planning Organization (UPO).
The Homeless Shelter Directory provides a list of shelters and various resources.
For additional information regarding homeless services and housing, visit the DC Department of Human Services.
- Amharic | Chinese | French | Spanish | Vietnamese
