Calendar Aeries Parent/Student Portal

Unhoused & Foster Youth Support

Unhoused Youth

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students experiencing homelessness—including living temporarily with others, in motels, shelters, or unstable housing—have important rights and protections.

You have the right to:

  • Enroll in school immediately
  • Stay in your school of origin (if in your best interest)
  • Receive transportation
  • Access support for school success

If you think this applies to your family, contact:
Student Services at 707-778-4626 

Who is eligible for McKinney Vento Support?

Students who are:

  • Temporarily living in a motel, hotel or single-room occupancy (SRO) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, natural disaster, or similar reason
  • Temporarily living with another family(s) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, natural disaster, lack of adequate housing, or similar reason (aka “doubled-up” or “tripled up”)
  • Living in a car, park, trailer, campground, abandoned building, on the streets, or other inadequate accommodations (i.e., lack of water, electricity, or heat)
  • Living in a shelter (family, domestic violence, youth shelter, or transitional living program)
  • Living with friends or family because they run away or are an unaccompanied youth

What rights do eligible students have?

Eligible students have these rights under the McKinney Vento Act:

  • Right to immediate school enrollment even when records are not present
  • Right to remain in the school of origin, if in the student’s best interest
  • Right to receive transportation to and from the school of origin
  • Right to receive support for academic success

If your family is experiencing homelessness or are unsure if this status applies to you, please contact: 
Student Services
707-778-4626

Housing Resources

  • Keep People Housed


    The Keep People Housed – Sonoma County Homelessness Prevention Program provides temporary financial assistance and services to eligible Sonoma County residents at high risk of homelessness or housing loss. Assistance can include back rent, move-in costs, rental assistance, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. Households prioritized for assistance must be willing to engage in housing-focused services for up to six months or more, depending on the household's situation.

    Visit Website
  • HomeFirst

    HomeFirst’s Petaluma Outreach Team supports people experiencing homelessness on the streets and in encampments in South Sonoma County. Call (707) 277-1407

    Services:

    • Coordinated Entry Assessments and follow-up
    • Housing problem solving
    • Housing action planning
    • Emergency shelter connection
    • Application support with food stamps, general assistance, SSI/SSDI, subsidized phone programs, and MediCal
    • Connection to physical and mental health services
    • Support obtaining documents crucial to housing success, such as ID, Social Security Card, DD214, disability and income documentation
    • Legal advocacy and services connection
    Visit Website
  • Petaluma People Services Center

    At PPSC, we are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable housing for all individuals and families. Whether you're in need of fair housing assistance or searching for rental assistance opportunities, we're here to support you every step of the way.

    Visit Website

Food Resources

  • Una Vida

    Una Vida fights hunger by hosting food pantries for the community. Current times are: the first and third Tuesday of every month from 4:00-5:00pm at Hillside Church (2689 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma) and every Saturday at 11:30am at United Church of Christ (825 Middlefield Drive, Petaluma).

    Visit Website
  • Catholic Charities

    Food distribution throughout Sonoma County

    Visit Website
  • Redwood Empire Food Bank

    The Redwood Empire Food Bank has many programs to help get food to Sonoma County families: the Food Connections Resource Center, Groceries to Go, Produce Pantry, the Food Connections Market, Food Distribution sites, and the Food for Independence program. There is also a Summer Lunch program, a Diaper Bank, and Senior Baskets.

    Visit Website Food Resources
  • CalFresh

    CalFresh (also known as SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps) is a nutrition assistance program which helps individuals and families purchase healthy foods. CalFresh benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card—like an ATM card. You can use your EBT card at most grocery stores, neighborhood stores and farmers’ markets.

    Call us for assistance at 707-523-7903

    Visit Website Application Assistance
  • Petaluma Bounty

    Petaluma Health Center patients are greeted with a weekly farm stand that operates June through October. Additionally, low-income patients are provided discounted prices (up to 50%) on all produce.

    Visit Website
  • 2-1-1 Sonoma County

    2-1-1 resource for food assistance–groceries & meals (provided by the United Way)

    Visit Website
  • St. Vincent de Paul Church of Petaluma

    Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:45-2:00, they provide free food to take home: 35 Liberty St, Petaluma

    Visit Website

Academic and College & Career Resources

  • Homework help with Tutor.com

    Sonoma County Library cardholders have free online access to Tutor.com. Tutor.com’s expert tutors offer one-on-one, real-time tutoring in over 40 subjects and test preparation areas.

    Connecting with an online tutor is easy and free. You just need a library card and a computer or mobile device with internet access.

    Live one-to-one help is available 1-10 pm (Sunday to Saturday). SkillsCenter resources are available 24/7. (available for all students)

    Visit Website
  • Free tutoring with Learn to Be

    Students get 1-on-1 tutoring for math and reading completely free. We help kids unlock their potential by connecting them with exceptional tutors online. (available for all students)

    Visit Website
  • CalKIDS

    Up to $1,500 scholarship award for eligible graduating seniors to help fund college and career training expenses.

    Visit Website
  • SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship Program

    For 12th grade students who have experienced homelessness in the last 6 years and would like to succeed in higher education and/or the workforce. $2,500 scholarship award & monthly stipends of up to $100 throughout college!

    Visit Website
  • Financial Aid Resource

    This guide can assist current and former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth in understanding the types of financial aid available for college, important steps to maximize the amount of aid received, and tips for maintaining aid eligibility once enrolled.

    Download PDF
  • SRJC Housing Services

    Through collaborative efforts with community partners, advocacy for policy change, and the provision of supportive services, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive housing environment that empowers students to achieve academic success and pursue their personal and academic aspirations without the burden of housing insecurity.

    Visit Website
  • CaliforniaColleges.edu

    What kind of life do you want after high school? CaliforniaColleges.edu will help you figure it out and give you the tools to make it happen. (link to slides)

    • Discover your interests and values.
    • Find careers, colleges, or training to reach your goals.
    • Learn how to find money to pay for college.
    • Launch college and financial aid applications.
    • Monitor all your progress in one place.
    Visit Website

Financial Resources

  • Resources for Youth Success and Employment

    The PPSC RYSE program supports youth in obtaining long term, sustainable employment. Youth work with a Career and Education Specialist through an individualized plan to gain the necessary experience and skills needed for employment in the field of their choice.  

    As the PPSC RYSE program is federally funded, youth need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify (in school youth, ages 16-21 must have an IEP or 504 plan; out of school youth, ages 16-24, with barriers including being unhoused)

    Visit Website

Additional Resources

  • Family Resource Center

    We provide the following services for families in the Petaluma City Schools District: Liaison between parents and school; Referrals for health, employment, food, and housing; Referrals and Workshops for Immigration and Naturalization; Crafts and Conversation; Healthy Cooking and Nutrition Classes; Financial Literacy Classes; Mental Health referrals and support programs

    Learn More
  • Petaluma People Services Counseling

    PPSC is dedicated to improving the social and economic health of our community by providing programs that strengthen the dignity and self-sufficiency of the individual.

    Visit Website
  • Petaluma Health Center

    This Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is committed to providing high-quality healthcare with access for all, regardless of their housing situation.

    Visit Website
  • St. Vincent de Paul Church of Petaluma

    Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:45-2:00, they provide free food to take home, free clothes and sometimes gift cards as well.

    Visit Website

Unsheltered Youth Resources

  • California Department of Education

    The following resources are available to unsheltered families in the Petaluma and Sonoma County area.

    Please visit the California Department of Education website for resources related to homeless students' rights to enroll and participate fully in school.

    Visit Website
  • Rights and Protection Reminders

    Local educational agencies (LEAs) must ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness are able to participate fully in school activities, and that barriers to identification, enrollment, and retention in school are identified and removed. Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:

    1. Immediate Enrollment: No matter the documentation.
    2. Transportation: LEAs should continue providing transportation support as needed to eliminate barriers to enrollment, participation and retention in school, including to pick up meals or distance learning items.
    3. Academic Access and Success: This includes free meals, and all other academic supports afforded to their housed peers and more.
    4. Please make sure to contact your local LEA or county Liaison on the Homeless Education web page. You can also contact one of our State Coordinators:
      1. Dr. Lori Rhodes - Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at lrhodes@petk12.org
      2. Jennifer Ortiz - Student Services Secretary at jortiz@petk12.org
    Homeless Education Website
  • Sonoma County Resources

    This information has been created to help provide direct referrals to local agencies if the families you have called for the homeless point in time count are requesting assistance. This is not intended to be a complete and thorough list, however, it will provide basic information if you are asked during any phone calls collecting count data.

    At risk of homelessness (those couch surfing or about to lose their place of residence)

    Community Action Partnership (707) 544-6911 can provide rental assistance through the HCS fund and can help connect people with the Seasons of Sharing fund.

    Catholic Charities

    Homelessness Prevention Program 707-528-8712

    Offers assistance and resources to help avoid entering the homeless system of care, credit and financial counseling.

    Catholic Worker

    707-575-8342 rental and Utility assistance

  • Sonoma County Shelters

    Catholic Charities’ Family Support Center (Santa Rosa)

    Application information: Applications are made by calling the Family Support Center at (707)542-5426. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm. Staff will contact applicants within 1 business day to begin the application process or to add the applicant to the waitlist.

    COTS’ Kids Family Shelter (Petaluma)

    Intake information/waitlist information: Call (707) 756-6530 extension 300 for a phone screening and to sign up for the waiting list. Additional information: Families must be vaccinated or in the process of getting vaccinated to qualify for admittance.

    Redwood Gospel Mission

    The Rose (Santa Rosa) for women with children, boys up to age 11. Intake information: 30 day clean and sober emergency shelter. Intakes done Monday-Friday 11am12pm and Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. at 101 6th Street, Santa Rosa. For more information 707-573-0490 Spots are filled on a first come-first served basis.

    YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter

    Intake information: The Safe House provides refuge in a confidential location for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children fleeing domestic violence. Families seeking safety from domestic violence can call the hotline (707) 546-1234 to discuss options, including theYWCA’s residential program known as the Safe House.

    Sonoma County 211

    System for additional referrals. Dial 2-1-1 or 800-325-9604

    SonomaWorks

    (707) 565-5500  provides temporary help for families with children who have little or no money. We also help adults caring for a child prepare for a job, then find and keep a job, so they can support their families.

    Coordinated Entry System

    Referral system for homeless housing projects in Sonoma County. Referral is not guaranteed due to high demand of housing needs in Sonoma County. If the family qualifies for enrollment, and a housing opportunity comes up they will be contacted through this system. Multiple access sites listed throughout the county.

    Flyers Available Here
  • Resources

Foster Youth

At Petaluma City Schools, we’re committed to supporting every student—especially those in foster care. We understand the unique challenges foster youth may face and work to ensure they have access to the resources, relationships, and support they need to thrive. PCS can advocate for additional support to remove barriers; foster youth can access free transportation and tutoring. 

Become a Foster Parent

There is a great need for foster families in Petaluma. If you are interested in becoming a foster family, or perhaps you are already caring for a relative’s child, click here for more information from the County of Sonoma. You can also call 707-565-4274 or email SonomaFosterCare@schsd.org for more information.

Consider donating to the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation.  Learn more at Valley of the Moon (vomcf.org)

Foster Families and Youth Resources

  • Sonoma County Foster Care Agency

    Through our partnership with Sonoma County Foster Care agency, we seek to serve all youth in out-of-home placement including children living in foster homes, group homes, youth shelters, and residential treatment facilities.

    The Foster Youth Toolkit ensures students receive the full benefits of laws designed to protect them.

    Foster Care Agency Website Foster Youth Toolkit
  • Foster Youth Services

    Foster Youth Services ensures that health and school records are obtained to establish appropriate placements and coordinate instruction, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, vocational training, emancipation services, training for independent living, and other related services. It seeks to improve the children's educational performance and personal achievement, increasing the stability of placements for foster youth.

    Foster Youth Services is a program of the California Department of Education, resulting from Assembly Bill (AB) 490, effective 1/1/2004. Our Program seeks to improve educational outcomes for foster youth by establishing a level of collaboration and communication between schools, social service agencies, and foster youth caretakers that previously did not exist.

    Educational liaisons are advocates who work to address the educational issues involved with foster youth, and who ensure and facilitate the proper enrollment into appropriate educational programs (Ed Code 48853.5). Additionally, liaisons provide the following services:

    • Consultation regarding educational issues
    • Gather educational records
    • Evaluate transcripts
    • Advocate for foster youth and their families on educational issues
    • Assist with educational transitions
    • Provide resources and referrals
    • Provide training for local education agencies, group homes, social services, and probation on educational issues affecting foster youth
    Foster Youth Services Website
  • Foster Youth Toolkit

    Foster Youth Toolkit ensures students receive the full benefits of laws designed to protect them.

    Foster Youth Toolkit

Academic Support & Services

  • Tutor Me - free online tutoring for foster youth

    Sonoma County foster youths can connect with expert tutors by scheduling virtual sessions through Tutor Me Education!

    Learn more
  • SRJC Foster Youth Services

    The Bear Cub Scholars and NextUp Programs provide services to current or former foster youth attending Santa Rosa Junior College. Our mission is to empower our students by providing them with the support they need to reach their academic goals. We offer academic counseling, financial assistance, and educational resources to encourage a successful and enriching college experience for all of the students we serve.

    Learn More