Resources & Information

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to an appropriate public education. The federal education definition of homelessness based on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The definition also includes those students who share the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; live motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; live in emergency or transitional shelters, on the street, or in a car; or live similar substandard arrangements.

The District offers a wide range of supports and services to students and their families. If you live in any of the above circumstances, please contact the District homeless liaison Jackie Janicke at 708-647-7028 or email jjanicke@sd161.org.

Local Food Pantries

Bloom Township Pantry

  • 425 South Halsted St.

  • Chicago Heights, IL

  • (708) 543-2555

Rich Township Pantry

  • 22013 Governors Hwy

  • Richton Park, IL

  • (708) 228-5032

Tinley Park Pantry

  • 6875 173rd PL

  • Tinley Park, IL

  • (708) 614-7739

Local Shelters

South Suburban Family Shelter

  • Homewood, IL

  • (708) 794-2140

South Suburban PADS

  • 414 W. Lincoln Hwy

  • Chicago Heights, IL

  • (708) 332-7700