More than 500 Hillsboro School District students experienced housing instability during the 2025-26 school year, the district said in an announcement for November's National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

Some of those students stayed in shelters, hotels or cars, according to the district. Others lived in housing that was unsafe or inadequate, or temporarily stayed with friends or relatives because they had nowhere else to go.

The district tied the figure to rising housing costs and other living expenses that make stable housing a challenge for families.

What the McKinney-Vento program offers

The district's McKinney-Vento program, authorized under federal law (42 U.S.C. 11431), supports students and families facing housing hardship. The program helps with school enrollment, provides transportation so students can stay at their current school and connects families with supplies, food and clothing.

Students experiencing housing instability have the right to remain enrolled at the school they attended before losing stable housing, according to the district's McKinney-Vento program page. That right applies even if they move out of the district. They can also access free school meals and preschool services.

"Housing instability" covers a range of situations. The district defines it to include families doubled up with relatives or friends, living in hotels or motels, staying in shelters or transitional housing, sleeping in cars or campgrounds, or living in substandard conditions such as spaces without heat or running water.

How families can get help

Three McKinney-Vento staff members are listed on the district's program page: Courtney Gibb, Abel García Gómez and Casandra Gutierrez. García Gómez and Gutierrez speak Spanish. Families can reach the team by phone. Contact numbers are posted on the district's McKinney-Vento website.

Help extends beyond the district. The announcement highlighted several community organizations:

  • Community Connect helps families in Washington County seeking shelter or housing resources. The phone number is 503-640-3263.
  • HomePlate Youth Services offers drop-in services and outreach for young people ages 12 to 24.
  • Safe Place Shelter in downtown Hillsboro provides emergency shelter and basic needs for youth ages 12 to 20.

Additional resources on the district's program page include Community Action for rent and utility assistance, Virginia Garcia for medical care, the Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder tool and 211 Info for general referrals.

Families who think they may qualify can fill out the district's 2026-27 McKinney-Vento referral form, available on the program website.