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Mississippi

McKinney-Vento Support for Mississippi School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison in Mississippi, you likely oversee multiple functions within your district. From the Mississippi Delta to the Pine Belt, our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while optimizing your community partnerships.

Mississippi
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The Challenge in Mississippi

Mississippi presents a landscape marked by significant economic challenges and high poverty rates, which severely impact housing stability for its student population across both urban and rural areas.

4,460 students were identified in the 2022-2023 school year; total enrollment was over 440k; Mississippi's identification rate for students experiencing homelessness was at 1.0%.1

Housing

A lack of safe, affordable, and stable housing is a pervasive struggle across Mississippi, significantly impacting educational access and stability for homeless students. The state's high poverty rate directly links to a critical need for affordable housing.
 
  • Many students experience homelessness by living in doubled-up situations with others due to economic hardship. In the 2022-2023 school year, 84.8% of identified homeless students in Mississippi were living in doubled-up residences.2
  • In urban areas, historical urban decline, segregated housing, and past urban renewal projects have contributed to displacement and substandard housing conditions. These areas often see more visible homelessness.
  • Rural communities face distinct challenges with limited local capacity and reliance on federal programs to bring in affordable housing. Homelessness here is often more "hidden," as families frequently rely on informal networks rather than formal, often nonexistent, shelter services.

Transportation

Limited and costly transportation options across Mississippi contribute significantly to chronic absenteeism and difficulties in school attendance for homeless students. Transportation disadvantage can severely impact access to educational opportunities and upward mobility.
 
  • In urban centers, challenges include the expense of public transit, navigating complex routes, and managing long commutes to maintain school stability when temporary housing is distant from school.
  • In rural areas, the primary obstacles are the severe lack of public transportation options and vast distances between temporary residences and schools. Reliance on limited school bus routes or the absence of city systems compounds barriers to consistent school attendance, affecting access to education.

Did you know?

The national average of children and youth identified as experiencing homelessness is 3% of students enrolled in public education.3  Mississippi identified 1.0% during the 2022-2023 school year, quite below the national average.

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How McKinney-Vento.org Supports Mississippi Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

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

Success with McKinney-Vento.org

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Featured

“ 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.

Mississippi

Why Mississippi 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

Dr. Judy Nelson, Interim Homeless Education State Coordinator Office of Federal Programs
Phone: (601) 359-3499

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 Mississippi's Homeless Students?

Join the Mississippi 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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