Gary schools outline McKinney‑Vento services, transportation and resource supports for students experiencing homelessness

At the Nov. 13 meeting Aaron King, the district McKinney‑Vento liaison, described how families and students experiencing housing instability can access immediate educational stability and supports under the McKinney‑Vento Act.

King said the district’s housing questionnaire (also called the housing questionnaire) is available online via the Gary Community School Corporation website and in person at school buildings. Once submitted, King said the liaison responds within 24 hours to schedule a private interview, conducts an eligibility assessment aligned with Indiana Department of Education guidelines and then provides required forms, transportation authorizations and resource referrals.

King listed resources the district can provide directly (toiletries, uniforms, backpacks, coats and shoes) as well as community referrals (transitional housing, emergency shelter, food pantries and housing programs). He said transportation can be arranged either within Gary or to nearby districts depending on family needs and noted the district performs six‑month follow-ups to reassess families’ situations.

Board members asked whether community members can donate and how to support the program; King said donations are welcome and that a McKinney‑Vento room is located at Westside Leadership Academy but that he will meet families where they present throughout the district.

What happens next: The liaison continues intake and referrals; families seeking assistance should use the district website’s housing link or present to a school building to initiate the intake process.