Housing Support & Services

Support for Families Experiencing Housing Transitions

Many families across the country are adjusting their housing situations due to the rising cost of living or unexpected financial hardship. Families in Weld RE-4 are no exception. Our district is committed to ensuring that every student has full access to their education, regardless of their housing situation.

If your family is currently in a temporary, transitional, or uncertain living situation, your student may be eligible for additional supports under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.  These federal protections ensure students experiencing housing instability can stay enrolled in school and receive any support they need to succeed.

Row of houses being built

Eligibility Requirements

    Your student may be eligible for support if your family is:
    • Staying with grandparents, extended family, or friends due to loss of housing, lack of affordable housing, or financial hardship
    • Staying in a shelter, hotel, or motel
    • Living in a car, campground, park, or other temporary setting
    • Living in housing without basic utilities such as water, heat, or electricity
    • Experiencing any other unstable or temporary housing situation
    If eligible, your student has the right to:
    • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
    • Remain enrolled in their current school, even if your family moves, or immediately enroll in the boundaried school of your new address*
    • Receive transportation assistance (when eligible)
    • Get help with school fees, supplies, and basic needs
    • Access free school meals
    • Receive referrals to community resource providers
    If you think your student may be eligible

    If you think your student may be eligible, please complete our confidential Housing Survey, or contact our district’s McKinney-Vento Liaison directly.  We are here to help.

    District McKinney-Vento Liaison:

    Erin Sullivan-Ortiz

    970-686-8093

    care@weldre4.org

    *If the school district believes that the school you select (school of origin vs boundaried school) is not in the best interest of your student(s), then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does my family have to be “homeless” for my student to be eligible? No. Many families who qualify are temporarily staying with others or in transitional situations. If your housing is not fixed, regular, and adequate, your student may be eligible for support.

    Will this information be kept private? Yes. Information shared through the Housing Survey or with the McKinney-Vento Liaison is handled confidentially and only used to determine eligibility and provide support. It is only shared with school staff necessary to ensure appropriate supports and services.

    Will being identified under McKinney-Vento affect my student negatively? No. Receiving support does not impact your student’s academic record or standing. The purpose of these protections is to remove barriers and help students stay connected to school.

    What kind of help is available? Depending on eligibility, support may include transportation assistance, help with school fees and supplies, access to free school meals, and connection to community resources.

    Who can I contact with questions? You can complete the confidential Housing Survey or reach out directly to our district’s McKinney-Vento Liaison. We are here to support you and your student.

    Resources Specific to Students Identified Under McKinney-Vento
    • EmpowerED: A state-funded program that provides financial assistance at participating in-state public institutions of higher education for students identified as eligible under the McKinney-Vento Act while enrolled at a Colorado high school.
    • Providing Opportunities: A Resource
    • Independent Status on the FAFSA for students identified as Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian and meets eligibility criteria for McKinney-Vento)