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Montana

McKinney-Vento Support for Montana School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison in Montana, you likely handle various responsibilities within your district. With students scattered across vast rural landscapes and small communities, our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while making your complex job more manageable.

Montana
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The Challenge in Montana

Montana presents a vast and challenging landscape for addressing student homelessness, encompassing growing urban centers, popular resort communities, and expansive rural regions. The state is grappling with a severe housing affordability crisis.

4,898 students were identified in the 2022-2023 school year; total enrollment was over 150k; Montana's identification rate for students experiencing homelessness was at 3.2%.1

Housing

A lack of safe, affordable, and stable housing is a pervasive struggle across Montana, significantly impacting educational access and stability for homeless students. The state has been labeled the least affordable housing market in the U.S., with home prices soaring and vastly outpacing wage growth.
  • Many students experience homelessness by living in doubled-up situations with others due to economic hardship. 67.1% of students identified as experiencing homeless were in this type of accommodation in 2022-2023.2
  • In urban areas housing prices are exceptionally high. These cities often serve as service hubs for surrounding rural regions, placing additional demand on limited resources.
  • Rural communities face distinct challenges where homelessness is often "hidden." Despite lower average rental rates in some eastern parts, the cost of homes remains out of reach for many working families. These areas frequently lack the resources and services available in urban centers.

Transportation

Limited and costly transportation options across Montana contribute significantly to chronic absenteeism and difficulties in school attendance for homeless students. Access to reliable transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for school districts.
 
  • In urban centers like Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman, challenges can include the expense of public transit, navigating complex routes, 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. Reliance on limited school bus routes or the absence of city systems compounds barriers to consistent school attendance, making it challenging for students to access 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 Montana identified 3.2% during the 2022-2023 school year.

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How McKinney-Vento.org Supports Montana Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

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

Montana

Why Montana 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

Justine Guthrie, State Coordinator of Homeless Education
Phone: (406) 444-2036

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 Montana's Homeless Students?

Join the Montana 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.