Project Hope Virginia
When a family loses stable housing, children shouldn't also lose their school. Project Hope's McKinney-Vento liaisons make sure kids in the New River Valley stay enrolled, supported, and on track — no matter where they're sleeping tonight.
Serving Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski & Radford City — free services for qualifying families
McKinney-Vento Act
Your Child Has the Right to Stay in School
Federal law guarantees that children experiencing homelessness — or living in cars, motels, shelters, or doubled-up with family and friends — have the right to stay enrolled in their school and receive the same services as any other student.
Project Hope Virginia administers this law across the state, placing trained liaisons inside each school division. In the New River Valley, those liaisons are based at Montgomery County Public Schools and serve families across the New River Valley. They handle enrollment paperwork, arrange transportation, connect families to food and healthcare, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Eligibility
Who Project Hope Can Help
You don't have to be in a shelter. If your family is in any of these situations, your children may qualify for McKinney-Vento protections.
Staying with family or friends
Doubled-up housing due to loss of your own home, economic hardship, or another crisis.
In a motel or hotel
Temporary lodging paid for by the family, a voucher, or an assistance program.
In an emergency shelter
Any family or individual shelter — children here qualify automatically.
Living in a vehicle
Cars, vans, RVs, or any situation where the vehicle is the primary residence.
Abandoned buildings or camps
Any place not designed for sleeping — parks, campsites, or similar situations.
Not sure if you qualify?
Contact Paige Walters — if there's any question, she'll help you figure it out. There's no penalty for asking.
Get Connected
Contact Project Hope
Project Hope Virginia
Montgomery County Public Schools
Contact
Paige Walters
Address
750 Imperial Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Online Resources
Need shelter as well as school support?
Project Hope works alongside our housing partners — we can connect you to both.