Homeless & Housing Resources
Department Contacts:
Director Special Education & Student Services
Michelle Dougherty
(831)623-4500
(831)623-4907 (fax)
mdougherty@asjusd.org
School Psychologist
Ruby Peza
(831)623-4500 x 1216
rpeza@asjusd.org
Support Services Clerk
Aileen Solano-Garibaldi
(831)623-4500 x 1223
asolano@asjusd.org
Homeless & Housing Resources
Aromas-San Juan Unified School District is committed to supporting students and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. We work to ensure that all students have equal access to a free, appropriate public education, regardless of their living situation.
Who Qualifies for Support?
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students may qualify for support if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
This may include students who are:
- Sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, or shelters
- Living in cars, parks, campgrounds, or temporary settings
- Living in substandard housing
- Unaccompanied youth not living with a parent or guardian
Educational Rights
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to:
- Immediate enrollment in school, even without typically required documents
- Attend their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed), when in their best interest
- Receive transportation to and from their school of origin, if eligible
- Access free meals and other school programs
- Receive support services to help them succeed in school
Support for Students & Families
Our district provides support to help students remain stable and engaged in school. This may include:
- Assistance with enrollment and school records
- Coordination of transportation services
- Connections to community resources and services
- Support from school staff and counselors
How to Get Help
If your family is experiencing housing instability or you believe your child may qualify for support under McKinney-Vento, please contact the District's McKinney-Vento/Homeless Liaison Coordinator Michelle Dougherty at modougherty@asjusd.org or (831)623-4500.
Additional Useful Resources:
- California Department of Education – Homeless Education
- National Center for Homeless Education
