Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District outlines McKinney‑Vento supports and county shelter concerns as homeless referrals continue
Summary
District staff told the board they recorded 91 McKinney‑Vento referral forms July–Sept (about a 2.1% homeless student rate) and described referral pathways, partner agencies and small donor/grant support for hotel stays and supplies while countywide shelter funding remains uncertain.
District staff led by Dr. Nance and family‑engagement staff presented a McKinney‑Vento briefing to the Urbana SD 116 board.
Between July and September of the current school year the presenters said roughly 91 McKinney‑Vento common forms were submitted to Regional Office of Education 9 and entered into Skyward. Staff reported that figure corresponds to about a 2.1% homeless‑student population this school year, down from 2.8% reported at the end of the prior school year. Schools reporting the most McKinney‑Vento contacts were Thomas Paine Elementary, Urbana Middle School and Urbana High School.
Presenters described the district’s referral pathway: families identified as experiencing homelessness are referred via Google form to Cunningham Township; the township liaison (Britney Tuton) assigns a caseworker for assessment and emergency shelter referrals; the liaison and district staff exchange follow‑up information during casework. District staff also run quarterly homeless student service meetings with partner agencies including the Regional Planning Commission, Housing Authority, Salvation Army, Courage Connection, Empty Tomb and others.
Staff listed locally available resources (39 soup kitchens and little free pantries, the Tiger Market, multiple clothing closets including Mrs. Mitchell’s Closet and a new homeless health hub at Urbana Middle School referred to as Dr. J’s Homeless Health Hub). They also noted philanthropic and grant activity: regional donations of approximately $5,000 last year (ROE 9 and United Way donors) and $1,000 this year via CU Connections (half to hub supplies, half for hotel stays during freezing days). The presenters said they have submitted applications to the City of Champaign community services grant and the Illinois Charitable Trust Fund.
Board members raised countywide concerns about shelter funding and continuity of partner programs; staff said conversations are ongoing with county partners as some emergency supports and grants expire. Several board members emphasized the limits of McKinney‑Vento funds — they support students and school‑focused needs (clothing, supplies, short hotel stays for students) but do not replace broader adult housing supports.
Administrative follow‑ups included promises to share district guides and liaison materials with board members and to continue coordination with Cunningham Township and regional partners.
