Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Merrymeeting Support Collaborative for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Donna Verhoeven, Youth Outreach Coordinator, works with children and youth up to age 24 experiencing homelessness in Sagadahoc County, Brunswick & Harpswell. With office hours at Midcoast Youth Center, and various schools within RSU 1 and MSAD 75, Donna assists youth with:
- Educational support for full access to public school
- Attendance at school academic meetings
- Help with employment opportunity searches
- Youth and family-driven case management goals
- Assistance with applications for employment, college, MaineCare and more
- Support in court proceedings
- Assistance accessing basic needs: clothing, food, toiletries, mental health care, medical care, dental care
- Transportation
Jamie Dorr (left) and Donna Verhoeven (right)
We are Here to Support YOU
For more information about any inquiries regarding the McKinney-Vento or Merrymeeting Project opportunities, please contact Donna at (207)-751-5738
McKinney-Vento Act
The federal McKinney-Vento Act serves to protect children's' educational rights during times of housing insecurity. Eligible youth are entitled to opportunities to eliminate barriers to their education.
Child's Rights Under the McKinney-Vento Act:
- Free public education
- Immediate enrollment into school
- Enrollment at your school of origin
- Transportation to and from school
- School nutrition programs, including free and reduced lunch
You are eligible for the McKinney-Vento service if you live in any of the following situations:
- Emergency or transitional shelters
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, etc.
- Cars, parks, public spaces, substandard housing, abandoned buildings, or similar settings
- Motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate housing
- Are not in the custody of your parents or guardians
Resources
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
Department of Health and Human Services - MaineCare Eligibility Guidelines
The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
Informational Poster about McKinney-Vento for School-Age Youth
Informational Poster about McKinney-Vento for Parents
McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program