If you’re a student without secure housing in Montana, the law requires all public schools to provide you:
- School choice based on the last school attended or neighborhood you are currently in
- Immediate enrollment even if you do not have your documents or someone to sign for you
- Free transportation to and from school
- Support from the school’s liaison, the staff person whose job includes assisting unhoused students – if you don’t know who that is, ask at the main office; and
- Other benefits that may help you to succeed
To be considered “housing insecure,” you must be:
- Sharing housing with other people because you lost your housing or you can’t afford housing. This can be couch-surfing or living with friends or family (with or without your parent or guardian).
- Staying in hotels/motels, or
- Living in trailer parks or campgrounds due to the lack of adequate alternatives, or
- Staying in shelters or transitional housing; or
- Sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or similar settings.
Public schools must also immediately enroll you and provide you with other services covered by law if you’ve run away from home.
Tribal communities may have different rules for accessing education.
Contact MLSA to apply for free legal help on your specific situation at 1-800-666-6899 or by applying online at www.MontanaLawHelp.org/apply.
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) shares legal tips to help Montanans better understand their rights and find free resources. Follow us for more helpful info!
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[Image description: Blue sticky notes on a lined legal pad that read, “Are you a Montana student without secure housing? You have educational rights.” In the bottom left corner is MLSA’s logo.]