610-987-2248   |   info@berksiu.org

Pennsylvania’s Education For Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

HELPING CHILDREN IN BERKS COUNTY AND REGION 2

Children experiencing homelessness have the right to a stable education and we can help put them on the path to success.

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program (ECYEH) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and is based on the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This federal legislation ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate, public education. The ECYEH program in Region 2 serves Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties and is administered by the Berks County Intermediate Unit.

Our team is committed to ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness have the opportunity to succeed in school. We eliminate barriers to education, educate the community about the nature of homelessness, and provide support to schools, families, and communities.

Visit our ECYEH Portal

Training resources, McKinney-Vento guidance, and more.
Region 2 map including Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Chester, Berks, and Schuylkill regions

MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT

Children and youth are eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act if they have been displaced from their homes and are living in a place that is not fixed, regular, or adequate, such as:

  • Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
  • In a place not designated as regular sleeping accommodation, such as a vehicle, park, hotel, or campground
  • In a homeless or domestic violence shelter or transitional housing placement
  • Outside of one's home as an unaccompanied youth
  • In any of the situations listed above as the child of a migrant family

YOUR RIGHTS

Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:

  • Continue their education in their current school, and receive transportation OR enroll immediately in the school where they are temporarily housed, even if lacking the paperwork normally required
  • Participate in all applicable school programs, including supplemental services
  • Receive free lunch
  • Receive assistance with school-related expenses such as supplies, clothing, uniforms, etc.

CONTACT

Kristen Hoffa, Regional Coordinator – krihof@berksiu.org

Melissa DeMotta, Supervisor – meldem@berksiu.org

Tabitha Kramer, Supervisor – tabkra@berksiu.org

Lauren Hammond, Training and Project Coordinator – lauham@berksiu.org

Allyssa Kovich, Program Specialist – allkov@berksiu.org

For assistance or more information, contact our regional office at 610-987-8509 or 800-510-2741.

Program Contact Info

Kristen Hoffa
610-987-8509
800-510-2741
krihof@berksiu.org

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