The Homeless Education and Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.) of Hillsborough County Public Schools is dedicated to supporting the educational needs of students eligible under the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. The H.E.L.P. office, part of School Social Work Services, includes the District Homeless Liaison, school social workers, counselors, parent liaisons, and a quality assurance analyst. The program collaborates with schools to ensure compliance with guidelines and provide educational stability for students.

The main focus of the H.E.L.P Office is to meet the educational needs of students identified under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The specific goals are to:

• Remove barriers to school enrollment at the school of origin or neighborhood school,
• Improve daily attendance,
• Increase proficiency rates on all high-stakes assessments, and
• Raise graduation rates.

The program collaborates closely with all stakeholders to guarantee educational stability for students.

In addition to the services required under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, your child may be eligible to receive services through the H.E.L.P. Office, including:

• Academic planning, support, and tutoring
• Personal care, hygiene, cleaning, school supplies, and school uniforms
• Literacy skills development training
• Gas card or HART bus pass while waiting for school bus transportation to start
• Certification of homeless status for the purpose of tuition and fee waivers for an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
• Certification of homeless status for the purpose of accessing health services, a state ID card, a state birth certificate, and applying for Federal Financial Aid
• Referrals to community agencies