Indiana SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

Summer 2024 will be the first year for Indiana SUN Bucks, a new benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most eligible families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. This new program is available in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities. Click here for more details.

McKinney-Vento

What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

If you lose your housing and now live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, camping ground, or temporary trailer; on the street; doubled-up with family or friends; or in another type of temporary or inadequate housing, your child might be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act.

You can find more information here.

Rights of students in homeless situations:

  • Go to school, no matter where they live and how long they have lived there.

  • Attend either local school or school of origin, if this is in the child's best interest.

  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin.

  • Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment.

  • Enroll, attend classes, and participate in school activities while the school gathers records.

  • Attend school with students not experiencing homelessness; a school can not segregate a student due to homelessness.

  • Receive information and services to support student success.

Local Resources

Housing

Middle Way House: 812-336-0846

Wheeler Mission: 812-334-4047

Shalom: 812-334-5728

Wellspring Center: 765-342-6661

Hoosier Hills: 812-883-1959

New Hope Family Shelter: 812-334-9840

Grace Haven: 812-723-2777

Food

Community Kitchen (Main): 812-332-0999

Harvest House Soup Kitchen: 812-339-4462

Genesis Church Food Pantry: 812-336-5757

Mother Hubbard's Cupboard: 812-355-6843

Richland Township Food Pantry: 812-876-2509

Hoosier Hills: 812-883-1959

Spencer United Methodist Food Pantry: 812-829-2980

Spencer Presbyterian Church Food Pantry: 812-829-0940

Mental Health

Middle Way House: 812-384-8769

Bloomington Center for Women's Ministries: 812-332-0845

The Villages: 800-822-4888

Youth Services Bureau: 812-349-2507

Bloomington Health Center (old ViM): 812-333-4001

Whom do I contact to help if I need assistance?

Every school has a homeless education liaison. This person can assist you with enrollment and support services for your student(s). If you have questions or need guidance, please contact Steven Battaglia at 812-935-5003.

Dispute

If you and the school disagree, the school district has to tell you in writing why it thinks that your child should go to a different school than the one you want. The district will also state to you in this letter how you can appeal this decision. Your child can still enroll in, attend and participate fully in the school you think is best for him or her while the disagreement is being settled.

What Can I Do to Help My Student?

  • When you enroll your student in a new school, ask to meet with the teacher(s). Give the teacher(s) information about how your child learns. Check in with the teachers about how your student is adjusting. Ask about the schoolwork your student is doing.

  • Get to know others at the school that your student meets daily such as the Headmaster, Dean, School Nurse, Student Resource Officer, office staff, etc.

  • All school and district staff can help make sure your student gets the services he or she needs to do well in school. You are an important partner in your student's schooling and are encouraged to work as a team with the school and school district. Get involved as a parent. Volunteer and participate in school activities.

Documents

Indiana Department of Education Coordinator for Homeless Education

IDOE Homeless Education Specialist

Charie Gibson PH:317-232-0957

IDOE Director Student Pathways & Opportunities

Flora Jones

Seven Oaks Classical School McKinney-Vento Liaison

Steven Battaglia   PH: 812-935-5003
steven.battaglia@sevenoaksclassical.org