Experiencing Homelessness?
Experiencing Homelessness?
- Local Resources for Possible Lapse in CalFresh/EBT benefits
- McKinney-Vento Act
- Homeless & Foster Youth Resources
- Hope Scholars Mentoring Program
- Pathways to Peace Toolkit
Local Resources for Possible Lapse in CalFresh/EBT benefits
Local Resources for Possible Lapse in CalFresh/EBT benefits
We are continuing to monitor the potential lapse in funding for CalFresh/EBT benefits starting as early as November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Many families have already received a letter notifying them of a possible lapse of benefits. Households with existing EBT funds can continue to use their current balance, but those expecting new disbursements in November should prepare for a potential gap. New applications and recertifications may also face delays until federal funding resumes.
We recognize that this will cause significant challenges for some of our most vulnerable children and families, and we are providing resources that may be shared with school communities.
We encourage school communities to stay informed about and share information on local food banks and food support services, including those offered by nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups and other entities addressing food insecurity.
Please share these resources with your school communities and visit lacoe.edu for more information.
Food Support
- L.A. County (24 hrs.) Dial 2-1-1 for food, counseling and housing help.
- L.A. Regional Food Bank lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/
- Westside Food Bank wsfb.org/our-services/need-food-help
- CalFresh Resources (CDSS) Learn more about benefit timelines, application status and FAQs at cdss.ca.gov
Community Resources
- LA County Dept. of Mental Health 24/7 Helpline: 800-854-7771
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Lifeline Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat
- NAMI Family Support Groups: namiglac.org/events/
- Didi Hirsch Crisis Support: crisiscare.org
Additional information from L.A. County Parks – L.A. County Parks Food Program
Heat Advisory for Parts of L.A. County
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urges residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness - such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps - as high temperatures are forecast to impact the region tomorrow, October 28, 2025.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Heat Advisory as high temperatures have been forecasted for the following areas:
- Malibu Coast
- Los Angeles County Beaches
- Palos Verdes Hills
- Los Angeles Inland Coast
- Western Santa Monica Mountains
- Eastern Santa Monica Mountains
- Calabasas/Agoura Hills
- Western San Fernando Valley
- Eastern San Fernando Valley
- Santa Susana Mountains
- San Gabriel Valley
Public Health recommends the following tips to keep yourself and others safe during excessive heat. For more tips and information, view the LACDPH advisory.
- Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day. If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen (SPF 15).
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are cracked or open. Never leave children or pets alone in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
- Check on those at risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.
Reminder of Legislation and Guidance: Immigration Enforcement Rapid Response
Please see the attached letter from the California Department of Education, which includes a reminder of guidance for rapid response to immigration enforcement.
View LetterHeat Advisory for Parts of L.A. County
Carlos V Education is offering an exciting scholarship opportunity for students through its first annual Spanish Contest. This international competition invites students ages 12–18 to showcase their creativity and language skills by submitting original works in one of several categories: short stories, short essays, posters or podcasts.
Winners in each category will receive a scholarship to attend a summer session in Spain, along with a week of professional development for their teachers.
Districts are encouraged to share this opportunity with their language programs to support and celebrate student achievement in Spanish learning.
McKinney-Vento Act
Students who have uncertain housing, a temporary address or no permanent physical address are guaranteed enrollment in school by the federal McKinney-Vento Act and California state law.
If you live under any of the conditions below, you are able to attend school and DO NOT need to provide proof of residency, immunization records or tuberculosis skin-test results, school records, or legal guardianship papers.
Students Experiencing Homelessness: Becoming Informed w/ Identification, Misperceptions, & Services Laws
Homeless & Foster Youth Resources
During the challenging period of the scheduled government shutdown starting November 1, 2025, we understand that many families relying on federal food assistance programs may face significant uncertainty about accessing food. To navigate during this difficult time and ensure your family has enough to eat, local food pantries and assistance programs are a vital resource. The information in the chart below is specifically compiled to help you identify and quickly locate food pantries and other meal assistance programs in your area.

Antelope Valley Union High School District is committed to ensuring that ALL students Have Opportunities to Persist in Education (HOPE).
Below you'll find links to the the most current information and resources for students and families experiencing homelessness:
Hope Scholars Mentoring Program

- AVUHSD innovative practice was developed as part of the Homeless Innovative Practice Grant application process.
- Our program is centered on promoting a culture of leadership, accountability and ownership among educational partners districtwide.
- District-wide professional development (synchronous and asynchronous) for hope scholar mentors, families, administrators, classified staff and certificated staff.
- Monthly and quarterly learning opportunities facilitated by the Coordinator of Student Services (Homeless Student Liaison)
- Overarching goal is to continually develop the capacity of mentors and provide structured time to assess student performance metrics district-wide.

For more information about developing a Hope Scholar Mentoring Program, please contact McKinney Vento Liaison: Yasmin Dorado
ydorado@avhsd.org

DISTRICT STEERING COMMITTEE
Dr. Robert Harris, Makeba Hale, Kalani Logan, David Rivas, Cynthia Mesler, Angela Fields, Yasmin Dorado, Dr. Kathryn Taylor
District Steering Committee Directory:
McKinney-Vento Liaison
Yasmin Dorado
ydorado@avhsd.org
Director of Categorical Funds
Robert Harris
rharris@avhsd.org
Director of Equity
Dr. Kathryn Taylor
ktaylor@avhsd.org
McKinney-Vento Mentor
Kalani Logan
klogan@avhsd.org
McKinney-Vento Head Counselor
Makeba Hale
mhale@avhsd.org
McKinney-Vento Counselor
Cynthia Mesler
camesler@avhsd.org
McKinney-Vento SPED Support
Angela Fields
afields@avhsd.org
Teacher Induction
David Rivas
drivas@avhsd.org









