Resources for Unhoused Students

  • What does it mean to be unhoused?
    The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Learn more

    What rights do students who are unhoused have?
    School districts must ensure that unhoused children and youth are able to participate fully in school activities, and that barriers to identification, enrollment, and retention in school are identified and removed. 

    Unhoused children and youth have the right to:

    • Immediate Enrollment: No matter the documentation.

    • Transportation: Schools should continue providing transportation support as needed to eliminate barriers to enrollment, participation and retention in school

    • Academic Access and Success: This includes free meals, and all other academic supports afforded to their housed peers and more.

Related Information

  • Contact:
    Don Scatena, Director of Student Services
    dscatena@smuhsd.org
    650-558-2258 


    Student Services Location and Hours of Operation 
    Mondays - Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Fridays: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94401


    Per California Assembly Bill 27, all families are required to complete the homeless declaration annually.

    Homeless Declaration:  English  |  Spanish


    Proclamation: National Homeless Youth Awareness Month  

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