Are You A Current College Student or Youth and Homeless? 

A recent surveyby the Hope Center of more than 195,000 two-year and four-year college students found that about half experienced housing insecurity and about one in seven reported they either experienced homelessness or lacked a stable living situation.

Pervasive historical and structural racism cause stark disparities among these students: the 2019 survey found rates of homelessness were higher for Black students (20 percent) and Indigenous students (31 percent) than for white students (17 percent). LGBTQ+ students also experience high rates of homelessness. And COVID-19, disproportionately affected people of color, exacerbates students’ risk for homelessness.

Students experiencing homelessness are at greater academic risk than their peers. Many maintain demanding work schedules to pay for school and living expenses, limiting time available for studies. Losing access to dormitories and dining halls during school breaks also adds the stress of finding other places to stay. Stress can lead to decreased sleep and increased strain on physical and mental health, which can further impede academic achievement.

Federal policymakers and academic institutions can support students most in need by confronting evolving barriers faced by homeless and housing-insecure students by creating comprehensive and targeted supports.

Systemic barriers obstruct meeting basic needs

College students experiencing homelessness face barriers in accessing housing. Both on- and off-campus housing can be prohibitively expensive. Those who turn to the private rental market may face multiple forms of housing discriminationfrom landlords, including racial discrimination,source of income discrimination, and discrimination against students. Some affordable housing options also impose eligibility restrictions on students.

They also face food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one federal resource to alleviate food insecurity, but like other social safety net programs, it ignores barriers rooted in structural racism and imposes punitive measures, like work requirements, that force students to either prioritize their education over hunger or sacrifice education by working sufficient hours to access SNAP benefits. The program’s eligibility criteria and past rules have made it difficult for students enrolled at least half time, and young people in particular, to access benefits;in 2019, only about 1 in 5 of two-year college students and 1 in 10 of four-year college students experiencing homelessness accessed SNAP. Are you 18 to 24? Learn how you may qualify for the FREE housing program for 2 years!!! YOU MUST REGISTER!!! You do not have to be a student!!! 

College Planning TODAY Services is currently working with goverment agencies and other community partners to assist students who are experiencing homelessness. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness contact us today by clicking on the link and completing the information.    

             I am a student that is homeless and need housing and/ or other resources