Basic Needs and Housing Support
Somerville Public Schools provides support to families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as students in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Our dedicated team helps ensure students have equal access to education and the resources they need to succeed.
Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness
Students and families experiencing homelessness have the right to access a free and appropriate education. Families do not need a permanent address to enroll a child in school, and students must be enrolled immediately even if school records or other documents are not available.
Students experiencing homelessness may choose to remain in their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming homeless or where they were last enrolled) when appropriate. If there is a dispute about school placement, the district must provide a written explanation, and families may contact the District Homeless Liaison for support.
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to participate in extracurricular activities and eligible federal, state, and local programs. They may also receive support through free breakfast and lunch, transportation assistance, and Title I services.
These rights also apply to unaccompanied youth—students experiencing homelessness who are not living with a parent or guardian.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, a student experiencing homelessness is a child or youth who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include students who are living in shelters, hotels, motels, campgrounds, cars, public spaces, temporary housing, or sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or financial hardship. The definition also includes unaccompanied youth and students in temporary state care or custody placements, including STARR programs.
Somerville Public Schools is committed to ensuring that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to education and school opportunities. Students may enroll immediately, even without typical enrollment documents, and have the right to remain in their school of origin when appropriate. They are eligible for transportation support, free meals, Title I services, academic supports, extracurricular activities, preschool access, and other programs available to eligible students.
The District Homeless Education Liaison helps families overcome barriers to enrollment, connect with resources, and access educational services. Families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity can contact the liaison for support.
Somerville Community Resources for Families in Need
Somerville families have access to a wide range of community resources and support services. Whether you need assistance with housing, food, legal services, healthcare, financial support, or other essential needs, the organizations and resources below can help connect you to the services available in our community.
City of Somerville Office of Housing Stability 617-625-6600 x2581
Somerville Homeless Coalition (shelter, housing and food services): 617-623-6111
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (food, job, and cash assistance and emergency shelter): 617-629-1400
Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children: Emergency Line: 617-661-7203, General Information: 617-354-2676
St. Patrick’s Shelter (shelter for homeless women): 617-628-3051
CASPAR Emergency Service Center (assistance for homeless men and women with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol): 617-661-0600
Community Action Agency of Somerville (Head Start program for toddlers, access to public benefits, and assistance with eviction prevention): 617-623-7370
Heading Home (housing assistance to families and individuals): 617-864-8140
RESPOND, Inc. (emergency shelter, safe home, support, counseling, legal advocacy for women and children): 617-625-5996 Respond Hotline (24 hours): 617-623-5900
Catholic Charities (helps the needy): 617-625-1920
Somerville Community Corporation (housing assistance for people who live in Somerville who are at risk of homelessness): 617-776-5931
On The Rise (provides support for homeless women): 617-497-7968
Cambridge/Somerville Legal Services: 617-603-2700
Just a Start Community Development Corporation (transitional housing and tenant/landlord mediation): 617-918-7518