The Homeless Education and Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.) of Hillsborough County Public Schools is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of students who meet eligibility under the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. The H.E.L.P. office is a part of School Social Work Services, and consists of the District Homeless Liaison, school social workers, school counselors, parent liaisons, and an analyst for quality assurance. The H.E.L.P. office works in collaboration with schools to further their understanding of and meeting McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guidelines. The program works closely with all stakeholders to ensure educational stability for students.

The primary focus of the H.E.L.P Office is meeting the educational needs of students who have been identified under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The specific goals are to:

• eliminate barriers to school enrollment at the school of origin or neighborhood school,
• improve daily attendance,
• increase proficiency rates on all high stakes assessments, and
• increase the graduation rates.

The program works closely with all stakeholders to ensure educational stability for students.

In addition to services required under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, your child may be able to receive services through the H.E.L.P. Office:

• Academic planning, support, and tutoring
• Personal care, hygiene, cleaning, school supplies, and school uniforms
• Literacy skills development training
• Gas card or HART bus pass while waiting for school bus transportation to start
• Certification of homeless status for the purpose of tuition and fee waiver for an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
• Certification of homeless status for the purpose of accessing health services, a state ID card, a state birth certificate, and applying for Federal Financial Aid
• Referrals to community agencies