Housing Stability = Academic Wins

Written by: Robert Becerra, MA, Housing Navigator

In 2026, students are increasingly aware that housing is central to their success in school, as professionals, and as heads of households. Through our Housing Navigation program, rental assistance is an impactful source of support toward which clients work to become eligible. However, we have seen a shift from immediate crisis resolution to long-term financial literacy as the most powerful tool to secure stable housing. Here is a snapshot of how our program acts as a wrap-around hub of measurable student success.

Several clients approached us recently with longer-term barriers to employment. A major requirement for students to receive financial rental assistance is to demonstrate their potential for self-sustainability. Housing Navigation channels resources to help clients increase their income through various channels and education.

​A first stop is our in-house scholarship workshops hosted virtually, and scholarship bootcamps to help students apply for funding. Although scholarships don’t provide an immediate boost to income, the intention is to encourage students to be as resourceful as they can: There is always something you can do to increase your income and secure a home.

In addition to scholarship workshops, our Housing Navigator, Robert, cultivates and stewards access to on- and off-campus resources for students who need help meeting their basic needs. This includes leads on affordable rental units, tailored job leads, resume-building workshops, and one-on-one interview preparation sessions. In addition, students gain access to resources like our food pantry and other organizations that provide essential supports.

Workshops and income generation activities are complemented by financial education. A partnership with the organization TYME (Teaching Youth Monetary Empowerment) provides expert financial literacy education through workshops and one-on-one sessions hosted by their Executive Director, Frida Tillman. Students learn the ins-and-outs of responsible budgeting to complement their efforts to increase their income.
 
With Housing Navigation, clients can resolve their concerns about childcare, food insecurity, clothing, technology, and financial aid delays. We maintain a steady presence for clients who are working through various personal and academic challenges so that they have the resources they need when they need them to complete their academic journeys.

Support This Program