In a step toward ensuring educational stability for vulnerable students, the Natchez-Adams School District (NASD) has been awarded a $192,168 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grant from the Mississippi Department of Education. This three-year grant will be used to support children and youth experiencing homelessness within the district by providing essential resources such as academic tutoring, mentoring, transportation, school supplies, and more.
In 2022-2023 Mississippi school districts identified 6,397 students who met the definition of homeless students. During the 2023–2024 school year, 41 students in Adams County were identified as homeless in a meeting of the Natchez Adams School District’s Board of Trustees in November of 2024 as reported by the Natchez Democrat. These students are often among the most underserved, facing unique barriers that threaten their ability to attend and succeed in school.
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:
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Children and youth who are sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (also known as “doubling up”).
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Those living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations.
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Individuals staying in emergency or transitional shelters.
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Children and youth whose nighttime residence is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation.
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Students living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or bus or train stations.
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Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in any of the above situations.
According to district officials, this grant will directly support services for homeless students in Adams County. “Every child deserves a stable and supportive learning environment,” the district said in a statement. “With this funding, we can make that vision a reality.”
If you or someone you know is a student experiencing homelessness, The National Center for Homeless Education has some incredible Resources that may be able to at least inform you of the rights of parents and children who are experincing homelessness.
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