District McKinney-Vento Liaison: Quinton Donahue, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent
Email: quinton.donahue@gorhamschools.org
Phone: (207) 222-1025

Our Commitment

Gorham Public Schools follows the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Students experiencing homelessness are entitled to a free, appropriate public education, school stability, immediate enrollment, and access to services even if typical documents are unavailable.

Who Is Considered Homeless?

Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those:

• Sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship

• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternatives

• Living in emergency or transitional shelters

• Abandoned in hospitals

• Awaiting foster care placement

• Living in places not designed for sleeping (cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, substandard housing)

• Migratory children who meet any of the conditions above

• Unaccompanied youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian

Student Rights

• Immediate enrollment in school, even without typical records or immunizations

• School stability: the right to remain in the school of origin if it is in the student’s best interest

• Transportation to and from the school of origin upon request by a parent, guardian, or the unaccompanied youth

• Access to services such as school meals, special education, Title I supports, counseling, and extracurriculars

• Dispute resolution with continued enrollment during any dispute

How We Can Help

The district liaison:

• Ensures students and families understand their educational rights

• Assists with school selection, enrollment, transportation, and access to programs

• Coordinates with school staff and community agencies to reduce barriers

• Provides staff training and posts public notices of rights and services

• Supports unaccompanied youth with enrollment, transportation, and needed services

Possible Indicators of Homelessness

These signs may suggest a student is experiencing housing instability:

• Frequent absences or tardiness; transportation challenges

• Missing records, poor health or nutrition

• Changes in hygiene or lack of personal space

• Social, emotional, or behavioral concerns

• Statements from the student or family indicating loss of housing

If you believe a student may qualify or you need assistance, contact the district liaison: Quinton Donahue, quinton.donahue@gorhamschools.org, (207) 222-1025.