Homelessness has a tremendous effect on a child's education. Education of homeless youth is essential in breaking the cycle of poverty. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates equal opportunity to a free public education to homeless students. This act is suppose to break down the barriers homeless students have to receiving an education. These barriers include residency restriction, medical record verification, and transportation issues. Once a student surpasses these barriers, they are still subject to the subject of being homeless, and the humiliation they feel because of their situation. Many homeless students fall behind their peers in school due to behavioral issues, and lack of attendance in school.