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Since the College Cost Reduction and Access Act was signed into law in September of 2007, the issue of college access for youth experiencing homelessness has garnered increased attention. Among other provisions, the CCRAA confers independent student status on unaccompanied homeless youth, helping to ensure that unaccompanied homeless youth have access to the financial support necessary to pay for college. Gaining entry to college and securing financial aid, however, are only the first steps along the path to degree completion. This issue brief explores how several colleges are supporting their homeless student populations with the intention of spotlighting promising practices that may be replicated at other post-secondary institutions across the country.
More than 56,000 college students indicated they were homeless on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in 2013, and that figure almost certainly underestimates the true total. Many college students struggle to find adequate, affordable housing options near their campus. For many students, housing costs represent a significant proportion of their college expenses. Students can access a number of resources, including federal assistance, to afford and find housing. New programs suggest that aligning housing, educational supports, and other benefits could best serve at-risk students. Although MS has one of the lowest state homeless rates, MS does have one of the highest unsheltered homeless populations. We want to help combat that for our students and families.