Program Information

The Berrien County McKinney-Vento Project, one of the original federally funded Michigan McKinney Projects, has been serving homeless families and youth since 1993. An initiative of Berrien Regional Education Service Agency, the McKinney Project's outreach site and learning center is housed at Safe Shelter, our local domestic violence safe haven.

McKinney Project grant consortium serves Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties

The McKinney-Vento Project has an established field site at the Safe Shelter which enables early identification and assistance to homeless children and youth.  Through the outreach program, coordinated services are provided for homeless youth staying at area shelters and in the attendance areas of schools, along with children on the street and needing assistance.  Assistance is provided to children and their families to ensure services address educational needs and achievement in the education setting.  Supportive activities are provided for children and their parents during the school year and summer months.

The outreach specialist helps to resolve problems with school enrollment, arrange transportation with area schools, provide school supplies, transcripts, immunization records, and serves as an advocate for homeless parents, children, and youth.