Shared Housing

If a student/family is found to be in a homeless situation, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act allows enrollment without a permanent address. Not all Shared Housing situations are considered homeless. If you feel your situation would qualify under this provision, please complete the shared housing form and submit to the school registrar. If the parent or guardian is living with a legal resident of the city of Virginia Beach but is not the leaseholder/homeowner, a Shared Housing Disclosure Form must be completed annually.

Shared housing forms and supporting documentation should be sent to the parents zoned school. Please contact the zoned school for assistance.

What Is Shared Housing?

When two or more families/individuals live in one residence to reduce costs.May involve sharing rent, utilities, and common spaces. Not all shared housing situations qualify as homelessness.

 

Why Schools Require the Form

• Student Rights & Support

The McKinney-Vento Act allows students experiencing homelessness to enroll without a permanent address. The form helps determine if a family qualifies under McKinney-Vento protections or is simply in a shared housing situation.

• Residency Verification

Virginia law (§22.1-3, §22.1-5) requires schools to confirm that students live in the division where they attend. The form ensures the student truly resides at the listed address, not using it for school placement only.

• Accountability & Compliance

Parents/guardians and leaseholders must affirm information under penalty of law. False statements may result in:

• Class 4 misdemeanor charges
• Tuition reimbursement to the district

• Student Stability

Temporary enrollment (30 days) allows students to stay in school while documentation is collected. Protects students from unnecessary disruption during housing transitions.

Why It’s Necessary

Supports affordable housing realities and families in crisis. Ensures fairness in school enrollment across the division.

Protects resources and services for students who truly reside in Norfolk. Promotes equity by honoring legal protections while preventing misuse.

Staff Role

Registrars: Ensure the form is fully completed and required documents submitted.
School Staff: Be aware that shared housing does not always equal homelessness, but families may still need support.
Everyone: Treat families with dignity while ensuring compliance.

Key Takeaway

The Shared Housing Disclosure Form is not just paperwork—it is a student protection, legal requirement, and equity measure that ensures every child has access to education in the correct school division.

Fact Sheet