According to federal law (McKinney-Vento Act), children and youth are considered homeless when they "lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence." This includes those living in shelters, cars, motels or places not meant for human habitation. It also includes those living with friends or relatives temporarily because they lack permanent housing. The first goal of the APS Title I Homeless Project was to assure that the approximately 5000 children and youth identified in Albuquerque in 2009-2010 were enrolled in school. However, enrollment alone is not enough. Additional services have been put in place to assure that these students attend school regularly and succeed in school.

• Tutoring at 14 schools in APS with meals and transportation provided for all tutoring sites.

• A preschool program serving homeless children whose living circumstances are particularly mobile.

• Resource teachers and outreach workers from the project supporting students at school sites with backpacks, supplies, uniforms, school fees, and other needs.

• Health/mental health services provided through collaboration with private, not-for-profit community agencies.

• A two-week June program emphasizing academics, career exploration, and recreational activities.

• A three-week July program emphasizing literacy for elementatry students.

  All of these services have contributed to increased school success for students. More students are accessing tutoring and health/mental health services. The middle school students are identifying and pursuing more diverse and advanced career choices, and graduation rates are clinbing!