Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Students displaced by the Waldo Canyon Fire may be covered by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act and could be eligible for benefits.

The act was put into law back in 2002 and helps students who are in unstable living situations by allowing them to continue at their school.

"What it does is it covers students who are experiencing homelessness and under homelessness we have displaced students from natural disasters like the Waldo Canyon Fire," Holly Brilliant, Title I Director and Homeless Liaison for District 11, said.

Brilliant said 92 students have been displaced by the Waldo Canyon Fire but she expects that number to grow.

"That's how many we know of right now," Brilliant said.

She said those displaced were students at Coronado High School, Holmes Middle School, or Chipeta Elementary. 

"Trailblazer Elementary School is in that area but to our knowledge at this time none of the Trailblazer students were effected," Brilliant said.

D-11 is working on reaching out to those families to let them know help is available.

"We're going to find out what their current living situation is, what their future plans might be, and we will use that information to determine if they are eligible for McKinney-Vento benefits," she said.

Those eligible could receive transportation, free or reduced lunch, tutoring, and more.

"We also have some community people who have generous donated school supplies, so all of the school supplies are ready for the students when they walk back into school on day one," she said.

Brilliant said eligibility will have to be determined on a case by case basis but she added that everyone who has been impacted by the fire should call the district to find out.

"Not every family who was displaced will be eligible but District 11 is standing ready to support in any way that we possibly can," she said.

The district plans to start contacting the families on their list beginning Monday.

Brilliant said those who don't hear from them should call D-11's administration office.

"Please call the main administration building at 520-2000 and ask for the Title I office so we can find out how we can serve those families," she said.