Homeless Education
One of the responsibilities of the Bethel Park Special Services Department is to oversee the implementation of protections and supports for children and families experiencing homelessness. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, (subsequently renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) is a federal law enacted to aid homeless persons. The Act defines the term "homeless children and youths" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted, amending McKinney-Vento. The Pennsylvania Department of Education provides further examples of students and families who may be experiencing homelessness.
- children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals;
- children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings;
- “migratory children” who qualify as homeless under federal law because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii) above. The term "migratory children" means children who are (or whose parent(s) or spouse(s) are) migratory agricultural workers, including migratory dairy workers or migratory fishermen, and who have moved from one school district to another in the preceding 36 months, in order to obtain (or accompany such parents or spouses in order to obtain) temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural or fishing work; and,
- "Unaccompanied homeless youth" including any child who is "not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian." This includes youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by parents or guardians, or separated from their parents for any other reason.
At Bethel Park School District we understand that life can bring very unexpected turns and trials for families and students. Our mission in the support of these situations is to lessen the impact to the students we serve by making sure families have access to information, supports and materials.
The District has a designated point of contact for the dissemination of information regarding homelessness who can also help coordinate services that may be necessary. Dr. David Muench is the Director of Student Support Services and is the designated Homeless Liaison. The contact information for Dr. Muench is:
Dr. David M. Muench Ed.D
Director of Student Support Services
301 Church Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
412-854-8410
South Hills Interfaith Ministry Supports
The South Hills Interfaith Ministry, or SHIM, is a wealth of information and supports that the Bethel Park School District is fortunate to have in the community. SHIM's mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency and build community. SHIM supports families with food pantries, youth programs, service coordinators, utility relief strategies, and many more opportunities that support our families. Please refer to their website for more information regarding these supports at: https://shimcares.org/