Project Hope & Empowerment ~ Leveraging Possibilities
Austin ISD - McKinney-Vento Covid-19 Response
- Check https://www.austinisd.org/reconnect for all updates related to student meals, remote learning resources, and more.
- Project HELP staff can be reached at the numbers listed on the website or by email.
- Make sure to contact your student’s campus if hotspots, Chromebooks, etc. are needed to support remote learning.
- Community Resources can be accessed here. Remember to contact 211 for any immediate needs.
- Websites such as https://www.foodpantries.org and https://www.auntbertha.com have a large list of resources that range from food support to emergency housing.
Our Mission
Project HELP's mission is to ensure the educational rights and protections due under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to all students experiencing homelessness.
Program Goals
Three primary goals of Project HELP include: (1) providing services to an increasing number of Austin ISD students under McKinney-Vento, (2) maintaining partnerships/collaborations with our many community resource collaborators, and (3) ensuring our service strategies are student-centered and aligned with students foremost being academically successful.
Homeless Children and Youth under the McKinney-Vento Act
Who are Homeless Children and Unaccompanied Youth?
McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) identifies homeless children and youth as those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Key provisions in identifying homeless children and youth include, but are not limited to:
- Doubled-up with other persons due to loss of housing, hardship or similar reason
- Living in motels, outdoor/public spaces, substandard housing or similar settings
- Living in shelters (emergency or transitional) or transitional housing programs
- Migratory children who are living in any of the above circumstances
TEA McKinney Vento Flyer for Parents - English
TEA McKinney Vento Flyer for Parents - Spanish
TEA McKinney Vento Flyer for Students - English
TEA McKinney Vento Flyer for Students - Spanish
Contact Us
Project HELP
Student Support Services
Campbell Elementary School
2613 Rogers Ave. Room 207
Austin, TX 78722
Office: 512-414-3690
Fax: 512-414-0761
Liaisons Chart
- Carla Grace Roberson, Coordinator & District Homeless/Foster Care Liaison
Austin ISD - Department of School, Family and Community Education
512-414-3690 ext. 57613
carla.roberson@austinisd.org
- Laurie Lopez, Program Specialist
512-414-3690 ext. 56764
laurie.lopez@austinisd.org
- Howard Hooper, Jr., Project Supervisor
512-414-3690 ext. 55963
howard.hooper@austinisd.org
Vertical Teams:
Anderson High School Vertical Team
Austin High Vertical Team
McCallum High School Vertical Team
Navarro Vertical Team
Clifton School
Foundation for the Homeless
- Vacant
Vertical Teams:
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
Garza Independence High School
LBJ/LASA High School Vertical Team - Northeast High School Vertical Team
Travis High School Vertical Team
Rosedale
Homebound
Foster Care
Foundation Communities
Posada Esperanza
SafePlace
Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP)
LifeWorks
Salvation Army
Austin Women and Children's Shelter
- Lupe Ochoa, Project Supervisor
512-414-3690 ext. 56729
lupe.ochoa@austinisd.org
Vertical Teams:
Akins High School Vertical Team
Bowie High School Vertical Team
Crockett High School Vertical Team
Eastside/International High Schools Vertical Team
Rosedale