Education of Homeless Students
The School Board of Collier County is committed to providing students who are homeless with the services needed to ensure their success in school. With this goal in mind, the CCPS Homeless Education Program seeks to:
- Identify all school-aged students who are homeless
- Assist with school enrollment
- Remove barriers to their education
- Provide supplemental academic assistance (tutors)
- Facilitate the student's ability to maintain a stable educational environment
- Make referrals for health and other services as needed by each child and family
- Provide case management services
- Educate district staff and the community about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and services provided by the CCPS Homeless Education Program
Education for Homeless Students Brochure: English - Spanish - Creole
For more information, please contact:
Cynthia Rodriguez-Schweisthal
(239) 377-0544
Community Resources:
American Red Cross (239) 596-6913
Child Care of Southwest Florida (239) 643-3908
Collier County Hunger and Homeless Coalition
Immokalee Friendship House (239) 657-4090
Salvation Army (239) 774-9447
Career and Service Center of Collier County (239) 649-1984
St. Matthew's House 2001 Airport Pulling Road South (239) 774-0500
The Lord's Way 3805 The Lord's Way (239) 774-1165
State of Florida Department of Health
Collier County Social Services Department
Catholic Charities (239) 793-0059
United Way (239) 261-7112
Additional Organizations:
National Coalition for the Homeless
National Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty
National Association of the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
National Center for Homeless Education
Gary Rutkin, United States Department of Education; McKinney-Vento Program
Frequently Asked Questions:
Click here to view the 100 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child be enrolled at school if I do not have the required documentation? Yes. Your child has the right to enroll immediately even if they do not have the required documentation. The Homeless Education Liaison is available to assist you with this process. Please contact Cynthia Rodriguez-Schweisthal, (239) 377-0544.
Do we qualify for homeless services if each night we sleep in a different place? Yes. Any person(s) lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is eligible for services.
We live with my mother. Do we qualify as being homeless? Yes. If you and your child(ren) are sharing housing due to economic hardship, loss of housing, or are living in emergency or transitional shelters, you are eligible.
What services are we eligible for? Your child is eligible for immediate school enrollment (barring any health issue that may put the school at risk), school supplies, case management, transportation assistance, and other services as needed.
I am waiting for foster care placement. Am I eligible for homeless services? Yes. As an unaccompanied youth, you are eligible for enrollment and additional services offered through the Homeless Education Program. Please call Cynthia Rodriguez-Schweisthal,
(239) 377-0544.