As community college students return to their campuses, many will find one new resource to count on: a hub where they can seek support in meeting their basic needs.
California Community Colleges must now offer a basic needs center at all 115 of its physical campuses. Most centers will offer food and housing support to begin.
College students often face housing challenges during academic breaks. Outside groups are helping students pay for available college dorm rooms so they have a place to call home.
Students in need of year-round, stable housing — rather than only during academic terms — face particular challenges when deciding which school to attend.
One mom who lived in her car for almost a year, through a school district safe parking program, now helps feed her neighbors still living in their cars.
Four months ago, Tami Rossell was living out of her van with her three youngest children and parking each night in city-designated safe parking zones. Today, she helps feed the homeless families who were once her neighbors in the lots.
All students experiencing homelessness are entitled to certain supports under federal law, and homeless liaisons are tasked with providing that support. But will there be enough funding to support each homeless child once they are identified?
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 27 into law recently after researchers estimated the number of homeless students in California has increased during the pandemic.
Long Beach City College has launched a safe overnight parking pilot program to provide homeless students with a safe place to park every night. The pilot includes security guards, access to showers and help finding more stable housing.
Schools and community-based organizations seeking to support students experiencing homelessness must step outside their silos, into students' lives and directly onto their public-school campuses.