Families in Transition provides students equal access to education opportunities

When families lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, are forced to stay in an emergency shelter or transitional shelter, a motel or hotel due to economic constraints, campgrounds, cars, or substandard housing, they are considered families in transition.

Too often the educational needs of children caught in a crisis like this go unmet, even though the Alaska law requires students attend school from the ages of 7 to 16. There are exceptions for students being home-schooled, which means students are receiving education in the home by a parent or guardian. Students and parents are both responsible for making sure that they attend school.

Homelessness is not sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment.

In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, a program has been developed to help those families facing a housing crisis. ‘Families in Transition’ (FIT) fulfills MSBSD’s federal requirements by ensuring students in transition have the same access to educational opportunities as other students. By working collaboratively with all MSBSD schools, FIT promotes school stability and academic success for its students.

Created in response to the McKinney-Vento Act of Congress, Families in Transition (FIT) works to provide assistance to students by removing barriers to their education. FIT provides children and youth who qualify the right to receive a free, appropriate public education. It allows families to enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment. This also allows students to enroll and attend while the school works to gather those documents needed.

FIT also clears the path for students to receive transportation to and from their school of origin and receive important and often invaluable educational services comparable to those other students receive.

Some of the goals of FIT are to increase enrollment, attendance, and educational success by providing students with basic material necessities.

FIT also strives to strengthen partnerships between families, school, and the community.

The most important goal is to increase students’ educational success through providing support for academics and participation in school sports and activities.

Some of the possible services available through FIT include free lunches, a clothing voucher, winter gear, back packs and school supplies, and tutoring.

FAFSA Assistance, Enrollment Assistance, School Transportation Assistance, Educational Assistance, Referrals to Community Agencies, Field Trip Assistance and fees for students who wish to participate in athletics.

The school districts also have to identify a Homeless Liaison, who connects homeless families with available community resources, connect with public health as needed, immunization records, and the training of school staff on issues surrounding the education of homeless students and the McKinney-Vento Law.

Eligibility is determined from July 1 of each year and a student remains eligible for the entire school year even if they secure permanent housing. Students may be referred to FIT anytime throughout the school year.

FIT accepts referrals from community agencies, students, parents, and schools. If you know a student who might qualify for our services call the FIT office directly at (907) 746-9228, fill out our referral form online, or contact the school.