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Maryland

McKinney-Vento Support for Maryland School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison in Maryland, you likely oversee multiple functions within your district. From the DC metro area to the Chesapeake Bay region and everywhere in between, our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while optimizing your operational effectiveness.

Maryland
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The Challenge in Maryland

Maryland presents a diverse and challenging landscape for addressing student homelessness, encompassing densely populated urban centers, sprawling suburban communities, and vast rural areas, including coastal regions. The state faces a significant and worsening affordable housing crisis.

17,817 students were identified in the 2022-2023 school year; total enrollment was almost 900k; Maryland's identification rate for students experiencing homelessness was at 2.0%.1

Housing

A lack of safe, affordable, and stable housing is a pervasive struggle across Maryland, significantly impacting educational access and stability for homeless students. The state faces a substantial housing shortage and a high eviction rate.
 
  • Many students experience homelessness by living in doubled-up situations with others due to economic hardship. In 2022-2023, 76.9% of those identified had this accommodation.2
  • In urban areas housing costs are high, and racial disparities in housing instability are significant due to historical patterns. Homelessness is often more visible here, with students residing in emergency shelters or transitional housing.
  • Rural communities face housing cost burdens often due to lower incomes, even if property values are relatively lower. The housing stock in these areas tends to be older, with limited apartment options. Homelessness here can be more "hidden."
  • Coastal communities, such as those along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, face increased housing pressures. The growth in short-term lettings and second homes disproportionately impacts affordability and year-round housing supply.

Transportation

Limited and costly transportation options across Maryland contribute significantly to chronic absenteeism and difficulties in school attendance for homeless students. This is a persistent barrier in all community types, exacerbated by an aging infrastructure and limited public transit.
 
  • In urban centers like Baltimore, Columbia, and Frederick, challenges can include the expense of public transit, navigating complex transportation networks, and managing long commutes to maintain school stability, particularly for students whose temporary housing is far from their school of origin.
  • In rural areas, the primary obstacles are the lack of public transportation options and vast distances between temporary residences and schools. Rural roadways have disproportionately high fatality rates. Reliance on limited school bus routes or the absence of city systems compounds barriers to consistent school attendance, affecting access to education and other essential services.

Did you know?

The national average of children and youth identified as experiencing homelessness is 3% of students enrolled in public education.3 Maryland identified 2.0% during the 2022-2023 school year, below the national average.

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How McKinney-Vento.org Supports Maryland Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

We help you meet federal regulations with up-to-date checklists, policy templates, and annual audit preparation tailored for Maryland schools.

Enhanced Identification: Your "Army of Awareness"

Custom training materials and awareness campaigns adapted for rural and urban districts help staff recognize housing insecurity early.

Comprehensive Training

Live webinars and on-demand modules-covering trauma-informed practices, transportation logistics, and rural outreach-available year round.

Data Management and Funding Support

Tools to track students, manage eligibility, and access local/federal funding (e.g., Title I, II) help boost resource allocation.

Expert Guidance and Advocacy Support

Subject Matter Experts with many years of McKinney-Vento implementation are ready to provide support on challenging cases, work through situations and help you connect with resources to support your work.
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Success with McKinney-Vento.org

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“ As I changed school districts this last year, I have become more aware of the homelessness in the school systems. I have moved to a district with many newcomers and most have come with out parents or guardians. This information is very helpful. I am going to pay more attention to situations and help when needed. ”

Cynthia J.

Maryland

Why Maryland Districts Choose McKinney-Vento.org

check-mark McKinney-Vento Expertise

McKinney-Vento.org delivers specialized training and compliance tools for identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness under federal education law.

 

check-mark Proven Results Since 2014

Our track record speaks for itself – from small rural districts to large urban systems, we've consistently delivered measurable improvements in homeless student support and educational stability.

 

check-mark The Only Turnkey Solution Available

Stop piecing together incomplete solutions. We provide the industry's only comprehensive, turnkey McKinney-Vento implementation system designed specifically for today's educational environment.

State Coordinator Contact

Patricia Julianelle, Maryland State Homeless Education Coordinator Title I-Program Improvement & Family Support Division of curriculum, Instructional Improvement, and Professional Learning
Phone: (410) 767-5153
 

Citations

1,2,3 Child and Youth Homelessness Data Profiles powered by University of Michigan Poverty Solutions and SHC
  https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/schoolhouseconnection/viz/ChildandYouthHomelessnessDataProfiles/National 

Ready to Better Support Maryland's Homeless Students?

Join the Maryland districts using McKinney-Vento.org to improve outcomes for students experiencing homelessness.

We'll help you find the funding and build internal support to make this program successful in your district.

Book your personalized demo
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