ADMINISTRATIVE

 During May and early June, Project HOPE, the Education of Homeless Children and 
Youth Program for the Virginia Department of Education, will be conducting a survey 
to obtain an estimate of the number of homeless children and youth in the 
commonwealth and to determine their educational needs and the services that are 
available to them.  This information is being compiled in  compliance with the 
federal mandates of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.  

Our first goal is to determine the number of children and youth in the state whose 
living conditions meet the criteria of homelessness. A survey form for each school 
in your school division is being sent to the homeless education contact person 
identified for the division.  The contact person will be responsible for distributing
the surveys to principals and collecting them after they are completed. Please 
encourage your principals to complete this form and return it on or before
June 9, 2000.

Our second goal is to collect data to develop a clearer understanding of the 
coordination of services and policy issues that relate to this population of 
students.  Please complete the attached form and return it to Dr. James Stronge at 
The College of William and Mary.  The McKinney Act requires that each state provide 
homeless children and youth access to appropriate educational services in the public 
schools that are comparable to those provided for other children.  Your assistance 
in completing this survey is vital to obtaining current information regarding the 
problems faced by homeless families and their children and the efforts that are 
being made to address their needs.

Should you have questions regarding the homeless child estimate or other issues 
related to the education of homeless children and youth, please contact:

Dr. James H. Stronge
Project HOPE
The College of William & Mary
P. O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795
(757) 221-4002.

Thank you for your time and assistance.



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