Spring 2024
WHEREAS, According to the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education, “The most harmful effects of student homelessness are personal and compared to their peers, homeless college students experience higher levels of anxiety, poorer physical health and have less access to nutritional food; however, housing insecurity impacts institutions as well and homeless students report lower GPAs, are less likely to persist in their studies and drop out at higher rates than their peers” [4];
WHEREAS, According to a statistic publicized by John Burton Advocates for Youth, “close to 20 percent of California’s Community College students are experiencing homelessness with rates for Disproportionately Impacted (DI) students double those of White students” [3]; as shown in a Students Experiencing Homelessness report administered by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools, “analysis of statewide statistics shows that Latinx (70%) and Black (9%) students who are experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to be suspended or miss an extended period of school to absenteeism, experience lower graduation rates, and to be less ready for college than their non-homeless peers” [2];
WHEREAS, According to the co-chairs of the California Coalition for Public Higher Education, the California community college system, “CCC, the nation’s largest higher education system, has dormitories at only 11 of its 116 campuses — even though demand for affordable housing is high among their students, many of whom are lower-income and often juggling jobs, family obligations, and their studies. Providing affordable housing so students can thrive is essential to ensuring their success, and their success is essential to the continued prosperity of the Golden State” [1]; and
WHEREAS, According to a study conducted by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools states that “Student homelessness has increased by 48 percent over the last decade.” Furthermore, “the federal McKinney Vento Act (MVA) mandates that all school districts designate a homeless liaison who can serve as an advocate for students experiencing homelessness. Homeless liaisons are among the few staff who shoulder the major responsibilities for the academic success and well-being of young people experiencing homelessness, including the initial identification of students experiencing homelessness and managing whole support efforts to ensure student academic success” [2]; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to form a collective of California community college students in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Homeless and Housing Insecurity Pilot (CCC HHIP) Program to advocate for the expansion of affordable housing;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to provide statewide resources to Basic Needs Centers and the college’s Homeless Liaison when navigating housing options and aid for unhoused student populations; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage all California community colleges to adopt an approved program designated for emergency housing (e.g., vouchers, funding for deposit for first month rent, dormitory endowment).
WHEREAS, According to a statistic publicized by John Burton Advocates for Youth, “close to 20 percent of California’s Community College students are experiencing homelessness with rates for Disproportionately Impacted (DI) students double those of White students” [3]; as shown in a Students Experiencing Homelessness report administered by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools, “analysis of statewide statistics shows that Latinx (70%) and Black (9%) students who are experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to be suspended or miss an extended period of school to absenteeism, experience lower graduation rates, and to be less ready for college than their non-homeless peers” [2];
WHEREAS, According to the co-chairs of the California Coalition for Public Higher Education, the California community college system, “CCC, the nation’s largest higher education system, has dormitories at only 11 of its 116 campuses — even though demand for affordable housing is high among their students, many of whom are lower-income and often juggling jobs, family obligations, and their studies. Providing affordable housing so students can thrive is essential to ensuring their success, and their success is essential to the continued prosperity of the Golden State” [1]; and
WHEREAS, According to a study conducted by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools states that “Student homelessness has increased by 48 percent over the last decade.” Furthermore, “the federal McKinney Vento Act (MVA) mandates that all school districts designate a homeless liaison who can serve as an advocate for students experiencing homelessness. Homeless liaisons are among the few staff who shoulder the major responsibilities for the academic success and well-being of young people experiencing homelessness, including the initial identification of students experiencing homelessness and managing whole support efforts to ensure student academic success” [2]; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to form a collective of California community college students in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Homeless and Housing Insecurity Pilot (CCC HHIP) Program to advocate for the expansion of affordable housing;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to provide statewide resources to Basic Needs Centers and the college’s Homeless Liaison when navigating housing options and aid for unhoused student populations; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage all California community colleges to adopt an approved program designated for emergency housing (e.g., vouchers, funding for deposit for first month rent, dormitory endowment).