At our November 10th meeting, Margaret Lewis from the El Dorado County Office of Education spoke to us about the McKinney-Vento Act, which defines homelessness as relates to children and youth in the school setting, and the importance of removing barriers from these children’s attendance and success in school, as a way of breaking cycles of homelessness. 
 
Margaret is a tireless advocate for children; connecting families, students and school districts with the resources they need for removing barriers that keep children from attending, participating and succeeding in their education. Margaret has worked professionally for the past decade (and personally for many decades prior), with families living in poverty – with and without accompanying homelessness.  Margaret pointed out that November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month.  Some statistics about homeless youth: 97% have moved at least once annually; 50% of homeless youth have depression or anxiety; 1 in 5 homeless preschoolers need professional counseling.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The El Dorado County Office of Education provides support and resources to the 15 school districts in the county to implement McKinney-Vento.  The act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. By this definition, there were more than 900 homeless youth in EDC in 2022.  We all may have the opportunity to help identify homeless youth.  Why is identification important?  First and foremost, we can't serve children if we don't know who they are; Secondly, it is the law for all Local Educational Agencies to provide services to these kids.

Margaret Lewis is the Homeless Youth Coordinator for EDCOE and her contact information is: 530-295-4539 or mlewis@edcoe.org.