Make the most of your school's resources!

Written by: Robert Becerra, Housing Navigator

Summer is here! For many students, this time is one to recoup after a long semester. At Wesley House Student Residence, however, the Housing Navigation program does not take a break! That's why, whether a student or just curious, we want to give you a glimpse into how we work with our Housing Navigation Clients.

We are happy to see a continuous flow of new intakes and to help students achieve their goals by staying housed. As our numbers grow larger, it is increasingly necessary for those interested in becoming Wesley House clients to collaborate in building their foundation for success. To this end, we encourage current and prospective clients to make the most out of their on-campus resources.

While we do have a rental assistance program, when students approach their school as a first line of defense, the process with us can run much more smoothly. For instance, while waiting to be screened after being on our waitlist or waiting for their first appointment after passing through screening, new clients can best help themselves by seeking Basic Needs resources at their school.

It is important to be persistent, ask questions if denied help, and record your interactions with these support systems so that your Housing Navigator can involve himself efficiently afterwards. This month, Wesley House was able to facilitate an appeal process with a student who had previously been denied aid at Miramar College. After completing a new budget that reflected her new income, the student and Housing Navigator persuaded Miramar College to take a second look at her application.

Don’t let academic bureaucracy intimidate you! Our housing-first approach DOES NOT mean “housing only.” Because a student’s living situation is central to all aspects of their long-term success, comprehensive advocacy is a constant resource we offer for clients’ empowerment. In this manner, they are more prepared to face people in positions of power on their own. Indeed, we have seen students learn from the process of case management and apply self-advocacy skills in other areas of their lives needing stabilization. For students to replicate problem-solving skills as they approach graduation motivates Wesley House to maintain a steady presence towards the finish line of students’ degrees, certifications, or licensing programs.

Post-secondary education does not need to be lonely. We encourage Housing Navigation clients, make sure to exhaust all your on-campus resources. Even if you are a private university graduate student, still inquire about scholarships and, if all else fails, student loans. Were you granted a stipend, fellowship, or tuition waiver? Don't be afraid, ask for more. The worst thing that can happen is they say no.

Sometimes we think decisions are made arbitrarily, with many degrees of separation between the funding party and the student. In some cases, such as with FAFSA, that is correct. However, if you are seeking support on campus, it can only help to educate yourself on the policies by which the structures operate and any wiggle room there could be for you to gain support.