As someone who works with APS students and families, you are in a unique position to help us identify students who may be experiencing homelessness and need assistance. 

Identifying students experiencing homelessness 

Being homeless does not always mean living in a shelter or on the street. “Homeless” is defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. 

This includes any child: 

• Living in a shelter.
• Living in a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative, adequate accommodation.
• Living in a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station.
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
• Not living with a parent or guardian due to hardship or an emergency circumstance.

Common signs that a student may be experiencing homelessness: 

• Lacks basic utilities
• Attends different schools; lacks personal records; inability to pay fees
• Unmet medical or dental needs
• Sick often; chronic hunger or fatigue
• Attendance issues
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of basic supplies
• Consistent loss of books and supplies
• Marked change in behavior 

Please contact us for a full list, or visit nche.ed.gov/nche/warning.html.

If you believe a student you work with may be experiencing homelessness, please contact: projectrise@apslearns.org.