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Families in Transition/Homeless Services

Families in Transition/Homeless Services Provides the Following Services Within AISD:

  • Enrollment Assistance
  • Free Breakfast/Lunch
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Coats
  • Transportation Assistance
  • School Supplies
  • Backpacks
  • Hygiene Items
  • Mental Health Services
  • Medical/Dental Referrals
  • Emergency Food
  • Help Obtaining Birth Certificates/SS cards/ID's
  • Christmas Assistance
  • Baby Items
  • Blankets
  • Facilitate Communicate Between Schools/Families
  • Referrals to Community Agencies.

Families in Transition -- Fast Facts

  • Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:

    • Living in emergency or transitional shelters
    • Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
    • Living in hotels/motels, RV parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations
    • Living in transitional housing as part of a program with a time limit & continual case management while transitioning into stable housing-DOES NOT include HUD
    • Living in substandard housing with no windows/doors, running water, heat, electricity or gas
    • Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live; such as tents, cars, parks, bus/train stations or abandoned buildings
    • Unaccompanied minors living without a parent or legal guardian
    • Undocumented children and youth who have the same right to attend a public school as U.S. citizens and are covered by the McKinney-Vento Act
  • Homeless students may attend one of two schools:

    • School of Origin: School the child/youth attended when permanently housed or school in which the child/youth last enrolled-DOES apply to feeder patterns
    • Local Attendance Area School: Any public school that non-homeless students living in the attendance area in which the child/youth is actually living are eligible to attend
    • Best Interest: In determining the best interest, the local educational agency shall to the extent feasible, keep a homeless child or youth in the school of origin, except when doing so is contrary to the wishes of the child’s or youth’s parent or guardian.

    Texas law allows homeless students to enroll in the DISTRICT of their choice if they meet the definition of homeless.

  • School Enrollment:

    • Homeless children have the right to enroll immediately, even if they do not have the required documents.
    • If a student does not have immunizations OR immunization/medical records, the liaison must assist with obtaining them and the student must be enrolled in the interim. They have 30 days to supply records or begin the course of immunizations.
    • Enrolling schools obtain school records from the previous school.
    • Children and youth who are homeless must be enrolled immediately in any school open to other children living in the same neighborhood.
    • Immediate enrollment includes attending classes and participating fully in all school activities.
    • Texas law agrees that enrollment of homeless students is not dependent on the residency of the parent or guardian. Tx Ed Code 25.001 (b)(5)
    • Immediate enrollment in school applies even if no parent or guardian is present.
      • Texas law allows youth to enroll in school on their own, as long as they are not in the district primarily to participate in extracurricular activities and not expelled/no current delinquent/criminal conduct. Tx Ed Code 25.001 (b)(4), (d)
    • Students in homeless situations should NOT be required to fill out “dual residency” forms, have any time of residency documents notarized (i.e., letters from the host family they are staying with), or provide any proof of residency.

    Unaccompanied youth must be allowed to enroll in their School of Origin or their attendance zone school even if they do not have a parent or guardian present and do not have the required documentation. They must be allowed to enroll if they report they are “couch surfing” or living with a friend or family member. The adult they are living with DOES NOT have to be present in order to enroll the child.

  • Kyle Tinsley  |  McKinney-Vento Liaison
    806-326-1745
    kyle.tinsley@amaisd.org
     

    Ashley Zellers  |  McKinney-Vento Social Worker
    806-326-1746
    ashley.zellers@amaisd.org
     

    Tessa Aragon   |  McKinney-Vento Social Worker
    806-326-1744
    tessa.aragon@amaisd.org
     

    Paula Abbott  |  Counselor
    806-326-1743
    paula.abbott@amaisd.org
     

    Allison Longenecker  |  Secretary
    806-326-1742
    allison.longenecker@amaisd.org

  • EMERGENCY & REFERRAL NUMBERS
    Adult Protective Services: 800-252-5400
    Alcohol & Drug Help Line: 800-821-4357
    Amarillo Police Department Emergency Line: 911
    Amarillo Police Department Non-Emergency Line: 806-378-3038
    Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center at 1501 S Taylor: 806-350-7584
    Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center at 6709 Woodward: 806-354-2244
    Child Find of America: 806-426-5678 (To locate runaways and child abduction victims)
    Child Protective Services: 800-252-5400
    National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 800-843-5678
    National Parent Help Line: 855-427-2736
    National Runaway Switchboard: 800-786-2929
    Rape Crisis & Domestic Violence: 806-374-5433 (24-hour Crisis Hotline)
    Texas Missing Person Clearinghouse Helpline: 800-346-3243
    Texas Panhandle Centers: 806-359-6699 (Behavioral and Development Health)
    Texas Runaway Hotline: 888-580-4357
    Texas Youth Hotline: 800-210-2278
    Texas Youth Hotline 24-hour help: 800-989-6884
    Texas Youth Hotline Text for help: 512-572-5777
    United Way Help Line: 211


    SHELTER
    Women:
    Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 806-374-5433
    Martha’s Home: 806-372-4035

    Women & Men:
    Faith City Mission at 600 N Tyler: 806-373-6402 (Temporary Shelter for Families)

    Salvation Army at 400 S Harrison St.: 806-373-6631 (Temporary Shelter &/or transitional housing for women and men)
    Salvation Army help for Women: 806-373-0910
    Salvation Army help for Men: 806-373-1321


    SHELTER-REHAB
    Women:
    Downtown Women’s Shelter at 409 S Monroe St. : 806-372-3625
    Faith City Mission: Esther’s House at 600 N Tyler: 806-373-6402

    Men:
    Alcoholic Recovery Center at 1600 S Buchanan St. : 806-374-2329
    Another Chance House at 209 S Jackson: 806-372-3344
    Faith City Mission Hope for Men at 600 N Tyler: 806-373-6402

    Women & Men:
    Amarillo Recovery from Alcohol & Drugs at 1001 Wallace Blvd. : 806-350-2723


    HOUSING NEEDS
    Amarillo Housing First at 207 N Tyler: 806-414-2243
    Buckner Family Place Single Parent Housing at 1615 S Tyler St #19: 806-373-3422
    Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle at 1900 N Spring St: 806-376-4571  (Catholic Family Services) -- rent based on income
    City of Amarillo Community Development at 808 S Buchanan: 806-378-3098 (HUD Housing)
    Eveline’s Sunshine Cottage: 806-803-9357 (Single mother’s attending college & working toward degree goals)
    Habitat for Humanity at 2700 S Wilson: 806-383-3456
    Panhandle Community Services 1309 SW 8th Ave: 806-372-2531
    Salvation Army at 400 S Harrison: 806-373-6631 (Ask for an appointment with Debbie)

    Low Income Apartments:
    Amarillo Garden Apartments at 1223 S Roberts: 806.373.1074
    Palo Duro Place Apartments at 1025 S Virginia: 806.576.3676
    Spring Terrace Apartments at 2600 Spring: 806.374.7522
    Win Lin Village at 5700 Wabash St. : 806.353.0354 (One Person office staff—leave a voicemail for call back)


    UTILITY ASSISTANCE
    Central Church of Christ at 1401 S Monroe: 806-373-4389

    • Sundays, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    • Must provide: Picture ID & current bill or disconnect notice

    Panhandle Community Services at 1309 SW 8th Ave: 806-372-2531

    Salvation Army at 400 S Harrison: 806-373-6631

    • 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.  and  1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

    CHILD CARE
    Buckner Children & Family: 806-383-5488
    Childcare Management Services at 1206 SW 7th Ave: 806-372-2836 or 806.345.1348(*Call for an Appointment)
    Children’s Learning Centers at 2300 Tee Anchor Blvd: 806-374-5223 (9 locations; Children 6 weeks to 11-years-old—accepts CCMS)
    Night & Day Care & Play at 2831 Mays Ave: 806-352-2186

    • Children 4 weeks – 12-years-old
    • Open: 6 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    • Open Saturdays — Accepts CCMS

    Opportunity School at 1100 S Harrison: 806-373-4245
    Opportunity School at 1525 S Grand: 806-381-0551
    Wesley Community Center at 1615 S Roberts: 806-372-7960
    Workforce Solutions at 3120 Eddy St. : 806-372-5521 (Apply online)


    FOOD
    Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 3500 S Bowie: 806-359-9483

    • Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    • Will need to fill out a form

    Bethesda at 1101 Fritch Hwy: 806-381-0361

    • Wednesdays, 9 – 9:45 a.m.
    • Must provide a picture ID & registration for all family members

    Central Church of Christ “Loaves & Fishes” at 1401 S Monroe: 806-379-6624

    • 1st three Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    • Must provide a picture ID
    • Will receive 8 items only

    Cornerstone Outreach at 1111 N Buchanan: 806-381-2131

    • Fridays, 9 a.m – 12 p.m.
    • Emergency Lunch noon – 1 p.m. if you have never been before
    • Must provide a picture ID before 11 a.m.

    Faith City Mission at 600 N Tyler: 806-373-6402

    • Serving meals Monday – Saturday
    • Meals are at 5:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5 p.m.

    Freedom Baptist Church 900 Alta Vista: 806-354-8499

    • Every 4th Thursday at 5 p.m.
    • Clothing and Food
    • Must provide a picture ID, Driver’s License, or Government issued ID

    Southwest Church of Christ 4515 Cornell: 806-352-5647

    • Tuesday & Thursday, 1 – 3 p.m.
    • Must provide a picture ID
    • Must make an appointment

    Washington Avenue Family Services at 4002 S Washington St #A: 806-352-1307

    • Must Provide a valid picture ID for adults & social security cards for all children, proof of residency (lease agreement or utility bills)
    • Monday: 6 – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesday & Thursday: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
    • Saturday: 9 – 10:30 a.m.

    Amarillo College Food Bank: 806-371-5446 (For AC students only)

    Perkins Center at 1515 S Buchanan St. : 806-372-3954

    • Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

    Kids Café (High Plains Food Bank): 806.350.1436

    • Call to find out site locations and times
    • Locations and times change during the summer

    CLOTHING
    Amarillo Agency for Women at 2415 SW 45th Ave: 806-353-0900

    • Appointment by phone or Facebook messenger (Look for Amarillo Agency for Women when using Facebook)
    • Free Pregnancy tests, diapers, formula, baby & maternity clothing, and various baby items (Infants to age 8)

    Bethesda at 1101 Fritch Hwy: 806-381-0361

    • By referral ONLY
    • Contact a case worker or pastor for a referral

    Hope Choice Pregnancy Center at  6709 Woodward St. : 806-354-2288

    • Call for Appointment or Walk-in
    • Baby items, diapers, maternity clothing

    Cornerstone Outreach at 1111 Buchanan: 806-381-2131

    • Tuesday – Thursday: 9am-12pm (every 6 months w/ID card)
    • Must provide a picture ID and social security cards

    Faith City Mission at 600 N Tyler: 806-373-6402

    • Emergency clothing for needs that are immediate, Daily
    • Women’s shopping: Tuesdays
    • Men’s Shopping: Thursdays

    Freedom Baptist Church at 900 Alta Vista: 806-354-8499

    • 3rd Thursdays at 5 p.m. January – October
    • 4th Thursdays at 5 p.m. November – December
    • Must provide a picture ID

    Southwest Church of Christ at 4515 Cornell: 806-352-5647

    • Make an appointment on Monday
    • 1 – 4 p.m. for assistance on Wednesday

    Washington Avenue Family Services at 4002 S Washington St #A: 806-352-1307

    • Monday: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday & Thursday : 5 – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
    • Must provide a valid picture ID for adults, social security cards for all children, proof of residency: lease agreement or utility bills (1st time)

    Colorful Closets: This is for students enrolled at an AISD school. Contact your child’s school counselor to assist.


    THRIFT STORES
    Amarillo Council of the Blind at 403 S Western: 806-371-7707
    America’s Best Thrift & Discount at 3015 Plains Blvd: 806-376-1300
    Bargain Warehouse at 816 S Grant: 806-374-0052
    Clothez Exchange at 4515 Georgia St #112: 806-356-6244
    Downtown Women’s Center Thrift City at 814 SW 10th (Clothing) : 806-372-8564
    Downtown Women’s Center Thrift City at 600 SW 10th (Furniture) : 806-331-4972
    Goodwill at 1904 Bell: 806-331-6890
    Got Junk at 1600 S Washington St. : 806-331-6626
    Habitat for Humanity at 2626 Paramount Blvd: 806-373-1185
    Salvation Army Family Store at 1211 SE 27th Ave: 806-373-5544
    Back and Forth at 1765 S Avondale St. : 806-803-9624
    Thrift City Too at 525 SW 10th: 806-331-6879
    The Giving Heart at 307 E Hastings: 806-683-9511


    GED CLASSES
    Amarillo ISD: 806-326-2850 (Kathy Johnson- GED Coordinator)

    Amarillo College Community Link at 2412 N Grand: 806-371-5000

    Amarillo College Student Success Center at 2201 S Washington St. : 806.371.5425

    Workforce Solutions: 806-345-1340

    Living Intentional Ministries at 96 S Polk St. : 806-437-1436


    Amarillo Public Library
    Downtown Branch Only at 413 SE 4th Ave.

    Citizenship Classes: 806-378-3586 (Call to register for Winter/Spring, Summer, or Fall sessions)
    English as a Second Language: 806-378-6038 (Basic English Classes)
    Job Seekers Lab: 806-378-3586 (Tuesdays: 6 – 9 p.m.)
    Read to Succeed! Adult Literacy: 806-378-3043
    Computer Lab: 806-378-3586


    MEDICAL / DENTAL / HEALTH
    Amarillo College Dental Hygiene School at 6222 W 9th: 806-354-6050
    Catholic Family Services at 1900 N Spring: 806-376-4571

    • Adult Eye care (exams & glasses for 19 years +)
    • Income must be LESS than $2000/Month
    • Must provide: Picture ID, Social Security card, Proof of Income & Residency

    Haven Health at 1 Medical Dr: 806-322-3599

    • Free clinic, mostly for the needs of Women with NO insurance
    • Offers Title 10 services to Undocumented women/teens
    • Men can seek treatment for STI’s ONLY

    Heal the City at 609 S Carolina: 806-231-0364 (Call on Mondays to set up an appointment)
    JO Wyatt Clinic at 1411 E Amarillo Blvd: 806-351-7200

    • Monday-Wednesday & Friday: 8am-5pm, Thursday: 9am-5pm

    Medicaid Office at 28 Western Plaza: 806-376-7214 (Transportation to appointments: 806-633-8747)

    Regence Health Network at 3113 Ross St: 806-374-7341

    • Adult and Pediatric Medical and Dental Services
    • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5:50 p.m.
    • Friday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Payment amounts are on an income-based sliding scale
    • Must provide: 2 current pay stubs (for everyone working at the home)
    • Proof of income (including food stamps, SSI, disability, etc.
    • Call for qualification determination

    Regence Health Network at 713 N Taylor St. : 806-345-7917

    • Adult Medical Services
    • WALK-IN ONLY
    • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  (closed for lunch 12 – 1 p.m.)
    • Closed Friday
    • *Must advise: You are part of the AISD’s Families in Transition Program*

    COUNSELING AND SUPPORT SERVICES
    Dailey Recovery Services at 2412 SW 8th Ave: 806-803-9640

    • Rehab/Recovery for Adolescence & Adults, Behavioral Therapy
    • Trauma Counseling in an individual or group setting

    Family Support Services at 7136 I-40 Frontage Rd Park West, Building B: 806-342-2500
    Group & Individual Counseling & Support Groups (Grief Share)

    Hope and Healing Place at 1721 S Tyler St. : 806-371-8998

    • A grief, loss, and trauma center that has support groups and counseling

    Hope Choice-Post Abortion Group at 6709 Woodward St. : 806-354-2288 (Sundays. Please call ahead)

    New Hope Resources at 806-374-5950 (Group & Individual Counseling and Support Groups)

    The Pavilion at Northwest Texas: 806-354-1810 (Mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults)

    STAR Program at 1500 S Taylor: 806-359-2005 (Referral OR Parent calls)

    Texas Panhandle Centers
    Non-Crisis: 806-337-1000
    Crisis: 806-359-6699

    • Behavioral & Developmental Health
    • Toll Free: Crisis number: 1-800-692-4039
    • Toll Free: Non-Crisis number: 1-800-299-3699

    Uniting Parents at 301 S Polk St. : 806-337-1700 (Advocacy group for parents of children with disabilities)

    Regence Health Network (Counseling): 806-374-7341

    • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

    MISCELLANEOUS
    Veteran Resource Center: 806-342-2500
    24 hour Crisis Hotline: 806-374-5433
    Free Notary at 3375 E I-40: 806-353-2265
    Acts Community-Evie & Scarlett’s Closet: 806-576-8611 (Formula, diapers, and infant clothing)
    Attorney General of Texas Child Support Division: 806-376-4471
    Birth Certificates at 601 S Buchanan St (City of Amarillo City Hall): 806-378-9344
    Car Seats: 800-252-8255 (Texas Department of State Health Services)
    Catholic Charities Refugee & Citizenship: 806-376-4571
    City of Amarillo Transit Department: 806-378-3095 (Call for fares, routes, rules, bus riders)
    Food Stamps, Medicaid & TANF at 28 Western Plaza: 806-376-7214
    High Plains Food Bank at 815 Ross St. : 806-374-8562
    Legal Aide of Northwest Texas: 806-373-6809
    Medicaid CHIP: 806-337-1700
    Prescription Assistance: Salvation Army 806-373-6631
    OH Baby (City of Amarillo): 806-378-6335 (Diapers, wipes, cribs, car seats, diaper bags)
    Workforce Solutions at 3120 Eddy St. : 806-372-5521
    Refugee Language Project at 2001 S Polk: 806-553-5160

Contact Information For The Amarillo ISD McKinney-Vinto Liaison

Kyle Tinsley  |  McKinney-Vento Liaison
Phone: 806-326-1745  |  Fax: 806-322-4079
kyle.tinsley@amaisd.org
LEA Name: Amarillo ISD