The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that ensures the right of students to go to school even when they are homeless or don’t have a permanent address. The Act aims to reduce barriers that have prevented many homeless youth from enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. McKinney-Vento applies to all homeless young people—including “unaccompanied youth” not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian—who are: living in emergency shelters or transitional living programs; staying temporarily with friends or relatives due to inadequate housing; or staying in motels, campgrounds, cars, or other temporary housing.