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This program works to ensure the enrollment, attendance and the opportunity to succeed in school for homeless children and youth. This program collaborates with other state agencies and community providers to support homeless families and their students.
For technical assistance, complaints or other questions please contact our Problem Resolution Services staff at 781-338-3700 or DESEcompliance@mass.gov .
Shirley Fan-Chan, Homeless Education State Coordinator 781-338-6310
Bopha Boutselis, 978-942-1796 (Southern, Eastern and Northern Middlesex County)
Brian Burke, 781-338-6311 (Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, Plymouth and Bristol Counties)
Jill Fijal, 413-263-3288 (Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties)
Meaghan Pearless, 774-423-1907 (Metrowest Middlesex County and Upper Worcester County)
Steven Magno, 978-998-1937 (Essex and Suffolk Counties)
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance — Advisories
DESE Guidance on Data Collection
Guidance on Fixed, Regular, and Adequate Housing: Identifying Family and Youth Homelessness
US Department of Agriculture Guidance for Homeless Children in School Nutrition Programs
Non-Regulatory Guidance: Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act calls for "procedures for the prompt resolution of disputes regarding the educational placement of homeless children and youth." The dispute resolution process begins when a parent or legal guardian appeals the district's decision of the homeless student's right to remain in the school of origin or the right to immediately enroll in the district where the homeless student is currently residing.
Submit the completed dispute form and any related support documents to DESE's Educational Stability Team at mkvappeals@mass.gov .
Dispute Form and User Guide (English / Spanish / Portuguese / Haitian Creole )
If other languages are needed, please contact us at mkvappeals@mass.gov .
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (Title VII Part B of McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance and Title IX Part A of ESSA.)
Massachusetts Caregivers Affidavit
Funding is available to school districts with significant numbers of homeless students and can be used to provide tutoring and academic support, professional development, engagement of homeless parents in their children's education, and access to mentoring, after school and summer programming. The current RFP for this grant provides further details.
2024-25 Homeless Data Report
2023-24 Homeless Data Report
2022-23 Homeless Data Report
For further inquiries, please email achievement@mass.gov .
Department of Higher Education: Student Basic Needs Security
Office of Children Youth and Families: Homeless Youth Services (HYS)
National Center for Homeless Education
Last Updated: November 20, 2025