MV Update

❓Have a unique situation or difficult determination? Reach out to Casey for help❓

• MDE has hired Sarah Weir as our new State Homeless Consultant
• Many of us remember working with Sarah when she was the MV Liaison for Kentwood public Schools

• Nov 21st & 22nd - A Glimpse of Africa Holiday Food Distribution, fresh produce, chicken, eggs, and more
• Registration for many holiday programs (food, gifts, assistance) begins this month
• Some programs are open to all and others are open to clients of specific pantries or resource centers

• WIN testing is now optional, students / families can sign a waiver to opt out
• MDE has a letter and waiver form for schools to send to families
• Spanish and Arabic versions will be available soon

• Submit your final reimbursement requests for the 25/26 grant year in the eCivis system during Oct and Nov
• Allocations for the 26/27 grant year will be available soon

• November is Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education Month (Project HOPE)
• It is also Homelessness Awareness Month
• Wear Green Day to raise awareness is Nov. 13th
• Green lightbulbs are also used to spread awareness
• Resources for Project HOPE month from the National Runaway Safeline

• Senate Bill 1185 would create a state level program to protect the rights of students experiencing homelessness modeled after the federal MV Act
• Senate Bill 1124 would allow minor youth on their own to consent to medically necessary health care

• 12/10/26 - Human Trafficking in School Settings training 9:15am - 11:15am
• NEW Resource Directory from the West Michigan Welcome Plan
• The Miracle Project - mentorship opportunities for former foster youth
• Kent County Youth Action Board on social media

  Instagram: @kent_countyyab

  Facebook: Kent County Youth Action Board

  Twitter: Kent County Youth Action Board

  TikTok: Kent County YAB

  BlueSky: Kent County YAB

• FY27 Resource Guide from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
• Need / Want a Month by Month Checklist for MV Liaison Activities? Click here
• Allegan Community Resource Directory

• Staff awareness - as the weather gets colder now is a great time to share or reshare these resources with staff
• Video - The MV Act in 30 Seconds
• Video - Do you see the child experiencing homelessness?
• Video - Dez says don't let homelessness stop your education
• Flyer - Potential Indicators of Homelessness
• Tips for Teachers and Staff on Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
• Title 1 Homeless Reservation - Final Title 1 Allocations will be available soon, connect with your Title 1 Coordinator to ensure your LEA is reserving enough funding to meet the needs of MV students in terms of transportation, tutoring, supplies, and other areas
• Are you also the Foster Care Liaison? FC is different than MV - read the MDE Best Practices Resource Guide to get started

• FAFSA is now open
• The homeless youth question has been reworded
• Webinar - What's New for the 27-28 FAFSA for UHY, Oct. 28th at 2pm
• College Access and FAFSA Calendar for Liaison and Counselors
• How to Answer FAFSA Questions about Homelessness Guide
• FAFSA Determination Templates for MV Liaisons and College Staff