When homelessness is mentioned, most people envision individuals living in shelters or sleeping on park benches. However, it is important to recognize that housing insecurity is also a significant challenge faced by college students. Surprisingly, millions of young people are striving to earn a college degree while lacking a stable living situation.
Recent surveys indicate that 14 percent of college students across the nation have reported experiencing homelessness. Although statewide data is not readily available, a study conducted in 2019 revealed that close to 34,000 students in the City University of New York system (CUNY) had experienced homelessness in the previous year, with 55 percent experiencing housing insecurity.
In response to this alarming issue, State University of New York Chancellor John King has announced plans to assign a “homeless liaison” on every campus. Additionally, State Sen. Andrew Gounardes has introduced legislation to establish systems that connect CUNY and State University of New York (SUNY) students facing homelessness to support services. While it is encouraging to see government leaders addressing this problem, it is crucial to allocate resources to effectively tackle it.
Fortunately, there is an existing model that has proven successful. The Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter launched the NCS Scholars program as a pilot initiative to provide housing to CUNY students experiencing housing insecurity. This program offers year-round housing and supportive services to unhoused college students, addressing not only homelessness but also the underlying challenges associated with it. Currently, the program houses 23 students referred by various CUNY schools and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development in apartments located in Queens.
In addition to housing, program participants have access to a comprehensive support system. This includes on-site support staff, including a social worker, connections to essential social services and benefits, resources for mental and physical health, academic and employment support, financial assistance, and mentoring and networking opportunities. The majority of funding for the program comes from Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies and other private donors, with some discretionary funding from members of the state Legislature and New York City Council.
While the NCS Scholars program provides vital support to the students it serves, it only addresses a small fraction of the statewide need. California can serve as a blueprint for successfully scaling up this program.
In 2019, following a successful pilot in the Los Angeles area, the California Legislature allocated funding to public universities, colleges, and community colleges. These institutions were then required to establish partnerships with community-based housing providers. These providers connect eligible students with wraparound services and rental subsidies.
Alternatively, dedicated funding could be allocated through new or existing supportive housing initiatives, with funds directly benefiting community-based organizations working to meet the needs of homeless college students. With capable housing providers spread throughout New York state, these options should be explored further.
Despite facing incredibly challenging circumstances, students who are determined to complete their studies exhibit remarkable resilience and drive. They deserve our unwavering support. By making a relatively modest short-term investment in these students today, we can assist them in obtaining the academic credentials that will set them on a career path and help lift them, as well as future generations of their families, out of homelessness and poverty.
Ann Shalof is the Chief Executive Officer of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter.
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