Resource Guide for Homeless Students
Nearly 1.5 million students are homeless at the beginning of the school year. Nine percent of college students are homeless, while 36 percent more are housing insecure. Use our resource guide for homeless students to take advantage of local and federal resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Interagency Council on Homelessness, and more.
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Written by
Natasha McLachlan
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Reviewed by
Laura Walker
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UPDATED: Nov 21, 2020
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Approximately nine percent of college students are homeless. Another 36 percent say that they are housing insecure. The numbers are higher for community college students. For younger students, the numbers aren’t too much better. Roughly one and a half million grade school and high school students start the school year homeless.
This can affect their health, social skills, diet, mental stability, ability to learn, and access to school. Homelessness can be a serious problem for students of all ages. Instability can negatively impact grades, behavior, and the chance of attaining a diploma.
Every student should have the opportunity to focus on their studies instead of worrying about where they will sleep each night. This guide will discuss ways for students to get into housing and gain access to other important resources to allow them to continue to study and thrive.
Resources:
- Child Trends: Homeless children and youth
- National Public Radio: Hunger and homelessness are widespread among college students
- National Center for Education Statistics: Homeless children and youth in public schools
School Resources
If your child is in public school, there are various resources that the school may be able to provide including before and after school care to give you a chance to look for work or housing. They also have income-based breakfast and lunch programs to help cover the cost of meals.
If you are a university student, your school may be able to help with housing costs, finding housing, or providing student housing.
Each year that you apply for financial aid, your expenses, such as food and housing, will be included as needs in addition to tuition and fees. This means that any grants, scholarships, or loans that you receive can be used not just for tuition, but also for a set amount of additional living expenses.
Many schools provide student housing, and while it comes with a price tag, it can be much easier to qualify for than regular housing. Often, the only requirements are a financial aid package and enrollment in the school.
If on-campus housing is not available, some universities will also provide assistance with finding off-campus housing. In university towns, you may find some landlords and rental agencies that are more accustomed to and willing to rent to students without a previous rental history. If you do not immediately succeed, do not give up. Keep trying until you get a positive response.
Resources:
- FAFSA: What is my financial aid package?
- American University: Off-campus housing guide
- My College Options: The great debate: To live on-campus or off-campus
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: National school lunch program
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Local Resources
Look for charities and homeless shelters locally. Often, access to these is granted by social workers in non-profit organizations that focus on the homeless or through your local Department of Human Resources. Emergency housing is available for children, families, and others in need.
Even though it can be difficult to ask if you have family members or friends, consider reaching out to them for support and short-term housing. If they have an extra room or even a spare sofa, they may be able to provide you with a roof until you get on your feet.
If you are a university student, consider looking for live-in jobs such as a nanny or groundskeeper. They may not be glamorous, but many of these positions will be willing to work around your school schedule while providing you with a place to live as well as a source of income. It can be the perfect opportunity for the right student.
Resources:
- The Salvation Army: Housing and homeless services
- Volunteers of America: Emergency and long-term help for the homeless, hungry, and poor.
- Homeless Shelter Directory: Map
State and Federal Resources
There may be emergency cash or housing assistance available through the Department of Health and Human Services. Find the one that covers your local area. They may also be able to help with school, transportation, work, food, and medical costs. Assistance for homeless individuals, and especially families, is usually expedited so you can expect to receive it sooner rather than later.
Housing assistance may come in the form of vouchers for hotels, help with getting into a shelter, money to cover a security deposit on an apartment, access to low-income housing lists, or other support. Many programs are income based and will only require a portion of your income in exchange for housing assistance. They may also be able to help with heating, cooling, renovations, and even furniture once you have moved in.
Resources:
- US Department of Health and Human Services: Grants
- United States Interagency Council on Homelessness: Using shelter strategy to end homelessness
- HUD Exchange: Homeless assistance programs
Online Resources
If you cannot get to many places or don’t know where to start, the internet is a great resource. Search for shelters and homeless service centers in your local area, find your Department of Human Resources or make contact with your school to see how they can help. In many locations, you can also begin the process of applying for government benefits online. Do not be afraid to reach out for help or ask questions.
Resources:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Homelessness program resources.
- That National Center for Homeless Education: Individual state resources for homelessness.
- The National Runaway Safeline: Youth and Teens
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Additional Support Services
The United States Department of Agriculture talks about how to apply for SNAP to help with your food costs. This federal program is provided at the state and local level.
Learn about what your rights are. The Iowa Department of Education discusses the homeless education grant program that helps students between the ages of 3 and 21.
The National Network for Youth offers information as well as ways to get involved in preventing youth homelessness.
Start With FAFSA is a great resource for learning about what student aid is available to you for each year of college. They answer all of the common questions that most new and potential students have about covering the costs of higher education.