Overview

The Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Adelante Program strengthens opportunities for the academic achievement and life success of Santa Fe children and youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Founded in 2003 as a school entity and community organization, Adelante annually identifies and supports approximately 1,100 youth experiencing homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Adelante team members work to address families’ needs with culturally competent, effective, bilingual services. Research shows completing high school is a large factor in reducing homelessness and poverty rates; therefore, the Adelante team works to support students’ immediate academic, medical, social service, and housing needs, while simultaneously focusing on their long-term educational trajectories.

The SFPS Adelante Program plays a crucial role in educating the community about child homelessness, and advocates for families’ needs with school staff, human service agencies, and the community at large. Adelante provides leadership in promoting local and national policies toward ending child homelessness.

• Please call (505) 467-2524 for assistance in English and (505) 467-2555 para asistencia en espanol. 

  • Or, fill out a brief form online and an Adelante team member will contact you.

• Please call (505) 467-2577 to schedule a day/time to drop off donations.

• If you'd like to refer a student and their family to the Adelante Program, please use this link.

Responsibilities
SFPS Adelante operates under the Every Student Succeeds Act and McKinney-Vento Act.

• The McKinney-Vento Act was originally signed into law in July 1987.

• The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in December 2015.

• ESSA reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Act.

• ESSA amendments provide new opportunities for schools to help students experiencing homelessness succeed in school.

• The amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act went into effect on October 1, 2016.

• For more information, visit https://nche.ed.gov/.

We provide leadership in promoting local and national policies toward ending child homelessness and resolving inaccurate beliefs about homelessness within our Santa Fe Community. Our biggest passion is supporting our clients to express themselves creatively and work toward successful, empowered lives beyond their current living situations.

Who qualifies for services?

The McKinney-Vento Act outlines who can receive services through Adelante:  Any student who is lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  Homeless living situations include the following conditions:

• Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (families who are doubled up);

• Students who are living with someone other than their parent or permanent legal guardian (grandparents, other relatives, or living on their own);

• Living in motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or camp grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

• Staying in emergency or transitional shelters; and

• Sleeping in garages, cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing (this includes lack of utilities), or similar settings.

Citation: 42 USC §11434a(2)

What services are available?

Adelante can assist students and families through a variety of support services.

• School enrollment

• School supplies

• Clothes and shoes

• Hygiene products

• Weekly food distribution

• Transportation

• Referrals to health, dental, mental health, housing, substance abuse, and other appropriate services

• Success in school (family case management, attendance support, academic resources)

• Possible assistance with rental and utility arrears (eviction or utility disconnect) if qualifications are met to use grant or emergency funding

This program is generously supported by funds from the City of Santa Fe Children and Youth Commission, The City of Santa Fe Office of Affordable Housing, NM McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth, Brindle Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, Community Health Funder Alliance, Santa Fe County, Thornburg Investment Management, Las Campanas Community Funds, Title One Funds, and many, many community members. (Thank you!)