At-Risk Support Services/McKinney-Vento

The Washington County School District At-Risk Support Services Department helps families in vulnerable situations find stability and security through connecting families and at-risk students to community supports.

Please contact the At-Risk Coordinator/Homeless Liaison for more information:

Brian Gunnell 

435-986-5167

gro.21khsaw@llennug.nairb

For referrals to all resources in Washington County and Utah, please consider using the 211 information site: https://211utah.org/ 

Please use the calendar below to find Food Distribution sites in our community.

According to the McKinney-Vento Act, if your child lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including any of the following situations, your child may qualify as homeless:

• In a shelter.
• In a motel or campground due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodation.
• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station.
• In a residence without basic utilities (power, water, etc).
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.

Then your eligible children have certain rights and protections available to them:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education.
• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
• Enroll in a school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
• Free meals and all school fees waived.
• Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is reasonably feasible. 
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this. 
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local school’s registration secretary, school counselor, or the local homeless liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. 

McKinney Vento Dispute Resolution Policy and Form

Other information:

Utah State Board of Education
USBE Student Advocacy Service Page

U.S. Department of Education
Part C: Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Please use the calendar below to find Food Distribution sites in our community. If you need other food options, or would like information on how to donate, please contact gro.21khsaw@llennug.nairb

Food Insecurity Sponsors/Providers:

Hurricane Valley Food Pantry

Neighborhood Connection

Salvation Army Food Pantry

Switchpoint

Tan’s Treats

Utah Food Bank

WIC – Women Infants Children

Local Providers:

• Family Health Care –  Primary Medical Provider and will help navigate Medicaide/Medicare and private, low-cost, insurance applications. WCSD Student co-pays of $10 for medical, $40 for dental, $30 for Mental Health. Also reduced rates for district employees. 
• Four Points Health – Primary Health Care Provider. Affordable rates for medical, dental, family wellness, and mental health services.
• Doctor’s Volunteer Clinic – Providing affordable health care for the uninsured, underinsured, and low-income families.

Other Local Health Care Services:

Utah Tech Dental Hygiene Clinic: Low cost, comprehensive dental care.

Southwest Utah Public Health Department: Services include vaccines, immunizations, birth certificates, diabetes support, tobacco cessation, and others.

Local Shelters:

• Switchpoint: Temporary and transitional housing for families and single adults experiencing homelessness. There are often waitlists; contact as soon as possible.
• Dove Center: Homeless shelter for individuals and children who have experienced domestic violence.
• Youth Futures: Homeless shelter for 12-18 year olds who need housing support.

Other Housing Resources:

• Five County Community Action Partnership: Providing housing support as it is available to help families in Southern Utah remain stable.
• St George Housing Authority: Helping Washington County residents find and maintain low cost, affordable housing.

Utilities Resources:

• Workforce Services HEAT Program
• Five County HEAT Program
• Five County CAP Water/Sewer Assistance
• Affordable Internet Connectivity Program: No cost or low cost home internet for qualifying families.

Washington County Community Resource Guide – PDF Link

A list of numbers for common needs including: emergency, non-emergency, community health services, and local schools. Print and use this pdf as needed.

Clothing Resources:

Vouchers to DI or the Catholic Thrift Store are available to qualifying families and students. Please contact your child’s school counselor for more information.

School and Hygiene Supplies:

Please see your child’s school for available school and hygiene supplies.

Holiday Help (November and December only):

Thanksgiving – The St George Basket Brigade is a local non-profit group who supports needy families in the Washington County with a Thanksgiving dinner. Please contact your child’s school counselor for nominating information at least 2 weeks before Thanksgiving.

Christmas – There are several non-profit agencies who help needy families in the area for Christmas. This all begins with the Kony Coins For Kids program who start taking referrals the first of November. Please contact your child’s school counselor for more information.