Breaking Down Barriers: The 6 Myths of FSH-1 & Homeless Verification

Misunderstandings regarding student homelessness verification for the Florida Student Homelessness Verification for Tuition and Fee Exemption Purposes (FSH-1) often stem from a lack of clarity on the McKinney-Vento Act definition of homelessness and the legal verification process itself. These misconceptions create significant, unnecessary barriers to education.

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Breaking Down Barriers: The 6 Myths of FSH-1 & Homeless Verification

Misunderstandings regarding student homelessness verification for the Florida Student Homelessness Verification for Tuition and Fee Exemption Purposes (FSH-1) often stem from a lack of clarity on the McKinney-Vento Act definition of homelessness and the legal verification process itself. These misconceptions create significant, unnecessary barriers to education.

Stop Requiring Documentation: Common Misconceptions vs. Legal Reality

It is vital for both students and institutional staff to understand the difference between rigid administrative assumptions and the legal mandate. The law prioritizes removing barriers to enrollment.

1. Students must be living on the streets or in a shelter to be considered homeless.The Reality: The legal definition is intentionally broad and includes many situations of "hidden homelessness." This includes "couch-surfing" (sharing the housing of others due to economic hardship or loss of housing), living in hotels/motels, cars, parks, or other locations not designed for regular sleeping accommodations. Many families and youth avoid shelters, so this is not the only indicator.

2. Students need official documents like a lease, utility bill, or landlord letter to prove they are homeless.The Reality: No specific formal documentation is required by law. Verification can be based on a written statement from the student or a documented interview with school staff if third-party documentation is unavailable (Part 2). Requiring rigid paperwork creates a significant barrier and violates the McKinney-Vento Act.

3. Institutions can deny the tuition exemption if they disagree with an authorized third-party's determination.The Reality: If a student provides a completed FSH-1 form signed by an authorized official (like a district homeless liaison, Part 1), the educational institution must accept that determination. The institution's inquiry should be limited to confirming the student meets the definition, not attempting to invalidate the liaison's professional judgment.

4. The exemption is only for students who were identified as homeless in grades K-12.The Reality: The exemption is available to any student who meets the definition of homelessness at the time they apply for the exemption, even if they were not previously identified as homeless in K-12

5. Institutions need to re-verify the student's homeless status every semester or year.The Reality: The initial verification is generally sufficient for subsequent academic terms at the same institution. The law presumes status continues in the absence of documented conflicting information. The exemption is meant to provide stability. (Note: Some institutions may require a simple semesterly re-affirmation form for administrative purposes.)

6. Institutions can disclose a student's homeless status to landlords or law enforcement.The Reality: Information about a student's living situation is part of their protected education record under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This information cannot be released without specific parental or student consent. This privacy protection is crucial for student safety and trust.