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Youth In Transition (YIT)

Youth in Transition McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

Youth in Transition (YIT) supports families experiencing homelessness by helping remove barriers to school enrollment, attendance, transportation, and academic success.

Program Contacts

Mercedes Hubschmitt, Ed.D.
Homeless Liaison, Director II, Learning Support Services

Laura Upson
Youth in Transition Coordinator
[email protected]
(858) 748-0010 ext. 4086 or ext. 2039

Who Is Eligible?

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth are considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who are:

  • Temporarily sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
  • Living in motels, hotels due to economic hardship
  • Living in trailer parks, or camping grounds
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters
  • Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
  • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are children who are living in similar circumstances listed above

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Housing Questionnaire (available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Chinese).
  2. Email the completed form to [email protected] Laura Upson, YIT Coordinator.
  3. For help completing or returning the form, call the YIT office at (858) 748-0010 x 4086.

Note: By law, a new Housing Questionnaire must be completed each school year.

Student Rights Under McKinney-Vento

Eligible students have the right to:

  • Attend school regardless of where they live or how long they have lived there
  • Remain in their school of origin or last school attended, if feasible
  • Receive written explanations and appeal options if a school placement request is denied
  • Receive transportation assistance to the school of origin, if requested and feasible
  • Participate fully in school programs alongside housed students
  • Enroll and attend school without delays due to missing records or documents
  • Enroll and attend school while enrollment disputes are resolved
  • Access the same special programs and services as other students

View Our Resources

Local Support & Services Guides

Download our curated resource guides to connect with vital community networks. Available in both English and Spanish, these guides offer quick access to essential family assistance programs.

Additional Support

California State Homeless Team: (916) 657-2871
National Center for Homeless Education Helpline: 1-800-308-2145

Quick Links

Support Our Program

Poway Unified’s Youth in Transition (YIT) program ensures that students facing housing instability have access to food, transportation, and essential school supplies. Your generosity bridges the gap for these families—click below to make a direct impact today.

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