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Michigan

McKinney-Vento Support for Michigan School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison in Michigan, you likely oversee multiple functions within your district. From the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula, our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while making your complex job more manageable.

Michigan
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The Challenge in Michigan

35,495 students were identified in the 2023-2024 school year per MISchool Data; enrollment was 1,429,895; MI identification rates for students experiencing homelessness is at 2.5%.

There are 834 public school districts in the state including traditional public and charter school districts.

Housing

  • Urban areas show higher homelessness rates, likely because services are concentrated there, making the issue more visible. Safe, affordable housing shortages affect the entire state.
  • Rural areas lack resources, shelters, and supports making homelessness more difficult to identify, quantify, and address.
  • In the 2023-24 school year over 72% of students who were identified as experiencing homelessness were living in doubled-up situations, according to MILive report on 5.28.2025.

Transportation

  • Urban areas have transportation systems, shorter bus routes, and ride services like Uber and Lyft. However,  It is costly and complex with shortages of drivers (increasing costs) and difficulty of arranging school of origin transportation.
  • Rural areas lack transportation resources, with extremely long, complex, and expensive bus routes.
  • Transportation barriers drive chronic absenteeism: 69.87% for homeless students vs. 32.29% for all students (2022-23, University of Michigan Poverty Solutions).

Did you know?

The National average of children and youth identified as experiencing homelessness is 3% of students enrolled in public education. Michigan identified 2.5% during the 2023-24 school year.

Ensuring all staff are trained to recognize the signs of students experiencing housing transitions is the number one way to ensure students are identified and provided the rights and protections they are eligible for under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act.

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How McKinney-Vento.org Supports Michigan Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

State-aligned checklists, policy templates, and annual audit preparation make meeting federal and MDE requirements easier.

Enhanced Identification: Your "Army of Awareness"

Custom awareness campaigns and staff training help bus drivers, secretaries, and coaches spot signs of homelessness early.

Comprehensive Training

Webinars and on-demand modules cover trauma-informed practices, migrant family support, and rural transportation planning.

Data Management and Funding Support

Tools to track students, submit MDE reports, and maximize Title I set-asides and competitive grants.

Expert Guidance and Advocacy Support

One-on-one help from experts familiar with Michigan policy and partnerships with local Continuum of Care networks.
Testimonial

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.

Michigan

Why Michigan 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

Michelle Williams, State Coordinator for Homeless Education Programs
Phone: (517) 241-6977

Citations

Ready to Better Support Michigan's Homeless Students?

Join the Michigan 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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