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Project Hope & Empowerment ~ Leveraging Possibilities

Austin ISD - McKinney-Vento Covid-19 Response

  1. Check https://www.austinisd.org/reconnect for all updates related to student meals, remote learning resources, and more.
  2. Project HELP staff can be reached at the numbers listed on the website or by email.
  3. Make sure to contact your student’s campus if hotspots, Chromebooks, etc. are needed to support remote learning.
  4. Community Resources can be accessed here. Remember to contact 211 for any immediate needs.
  5. 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: 

  1. Doubled-up with other persons due to loss of housing, hardship or similar reason
  2. Living in motels, outdoor/public spaces, substandard housing or similar settings
  3. Living in shelters (emergency or transitional) or transitional housing programs
  4. 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