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Rhode Island

McKinney-Vento Support for Rhode Island School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison in Rhode Island, you likely oversee multiple functions within your district. As the smallest state with tightly connected educational communities, our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while optimizing your personalized approach.

Rhode Island
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The Challenge in Rhode Island

Rhode Island, despite its small size, presents significant challenges in addressing student homelessness, marked by a pervasive housing crisis affecting both its urban centers and increasingly, its rural and coastal areas.

1,739 students were identified in the 2022-2023 school year; total enrollment was almost 140k; Rhode Island's identification rate for students experiencing homelessness was at 1.3%.1

Housing

A lack of safe, affordable, and stable housing is a pervasive struggle across Rhode Island, significantly impacting educational access and stability for homeless students. The high cost of housing is a top concern for many residents.
 
  • Many students experience homelessness by living in doubled-up situations with others due to economic hardship. In the 2022-2023 school year, 65.7% of identified homeless students in Rhode Island were living in doubled-up residences.2
  • In urban areas high rents and limited housing availability contribute to significant affordability challenges. Homelessness can be more visible here, with students residing in emergency shelters or transitional housing.
  • Rural and coastal communities also face pressures, as development plans may increase housing mandates in traditionally less dense areas. High property values, particularly in coastal towns, push essential workers out, while the tension between new development and preserving rural character impacts the housing supply.

Transportation

Limited and costly transportation options across Rhode Island contribute significantly to chronic absenteeism and difficulties in school attendance for homeless students. Access to transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for school districts.
 
  • In urban centers like Providence, Newport, and Cranston, challenges can include the expense of public transit (e.g., RIPTA passes), 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.

Did you know?

The national average of children and youth identified as experiencing homelessness is 3% of students enrolled in public education.3  Rhode Island identified 1.3% during the 2022-2023 school year, below the national average.

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How McKinney-Vento.org Supports Rhode Island Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

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

Rhode Island

Why Rhode Island 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

Eileen Botelho, State Coordinator for Homeless Education
Phone: (401) 222-8466

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 Rhode Island's Homeless Students?

Join the Rhode Island 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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