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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: