California's public universities will get funding increases despite the state's revenue shortfall, but they are being asked to borrow money for housing projects.
UC wants to add 22,000 beds by 2028, but a top official said that goal may be overly optimistic, given challenges such as lawsuits seeking to stop construction.
CSU students now have access to housing grants if they're struggling to pay rent, thanks to a $10 million systemwide increase in state funding for basic needs.
A student program at CSU Fullerton helps formerly incarcerated students with housing, a critical need for anyone trying to turn their lives around.
Similar programs are planned at other Cal State campuses.
Tens of thousands of college students in California are homeless or without stable housing. During an EdSource roundtable, panelists said more dorms will help but called for other solutions too.
Rising costs have exacerbated California's student housing crisis. The state is responding with plans for more on-campus dorms, and a new bill could make it easier for colleges to expand housing. Some campuses turned to short-term solutions.
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.
In a visit to California, Miguel Cardona, the U.S. secretary of education, encouraged the state "to meet students where they are" as it relates to housing.
California community college students are slated to get new housing if the state Legislature approves a significant expansion of scarce on-campus housing.