Mission

Project Link Homeless Education Program works to improve the educational outcomes for homeless students by providing educational support through tutoring, basic needs such as school supplies, hygiene items, snacks and clothing. Project Link also assists families in collaborating with community, social service organizations, and with school personnel to identify and serve students in need.

Vision

Every child and youth experiencing homelessness is successful in school from early childhood through higher education.

Student Rights

The McKinney Vento Act requires schools to enroll students experiencing homelessness immediately even if the documentation
requested for enrollment is not available. MKV Project Link Students have the right to a free and appropriate public education.
Homeless students have certain rights under McKinney Vento Federal law, including:

  • The right to enroll and attend classes even if you are missing documents usually required for enrollment including birth certificate, immunization records, academic records and a permanent address.
  • The right to go to school and receive the same services just like other students.
  • Students have the right to remain in their school of origin when feasible and if it provides the best, adequate and appropriate placement.
  • The right to transportation to school, according to current District transportation guidelines.

Eligibility

  • Families who are doubled up, due to hardship (living with friends or relatives)
  • Families who live in a shelter (La Casa, Gospel Rescue Mission, Youth Shelter)
  • Families who live in hotels/motels
  • Families who live in a motel, car or campsite, RV Park
  • Families who live in public abandoned places
  • Family lives in a place that does not have appropriate accommodations (Such as: lacks water, lacks electricity or heat, lacks working kitchen or working bathroom, is infested with vermin or mold; presents danger to adults, children or persons with disabilities)
  • Unaccompanied youth – Student is on their own without a parent or guardian
    (Student lacks a fixed, regular and adequate residence)

Services

  • School enrollment assistance and transition between schools
  • Support to receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the student needs.
  • Tutoring assistance when available
  • Identify resources to meet homeless family needs.
  • Provision of basic school supplies, hygiene items, clothes when available
  • Immediate access to free lunch
  • Help to locate emergency assistance and referrals to community service agencies for food, shelter, clothing, health care and basic needs.
  • Help with transportation issues when possible

McKinney Vento Project Link

Project Link welcomes referrals of homeless children from any person or school personnel or community agency. Project Link has Family Liaisons and Social Workers to receive referrals. The Family Liaisons serve the district’s students from Pre-K through High School.

Project Link Office

Valley View Elementary School
915 E. California Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88011

Contact:

Karla Solis-Holguin, LMSW Family Liaison
Phone: (575) 527-5913
Email: ksolisholguin@lcps.net
Fax: 575-527-9327

Margarita Solis, LMSW Family Liaison
Phone: (575) 527-6673
EMAIL: msolis2@lcps.net

Cecilia Montoya, BA, Family Liaison Specialist
Phone: (575) 527-6670
EMAIL: cmontoya3@lcps.net

Juliette Paez-Pearcy, BS, Family Liaison Assistant
Phone: (575)- 527-5858
Email: jwalker@lcps.net