“Home is a notion that only nations of the homeless fully appreciate and only the uprooted comprehend.” – Wallace Stegner, American Novelist
Higher education is hard enough as it is without adding the stress of trying to locate food and shelter on top of a grueling workload of homework and studying for tests. Most college students across the U.S. have families with financial resources or access to financial assistance to cover room and board, but this is not the case in Spokane, WA.
A national analysis of basic needs insecurity among college students was completed by #RealCollege Survey. The data from the state of Washington showed that one in five community college students were homeless in 2019, and about 40% of students experienced hunger or struggled to buy the healthy food they needed. In the 21st century, that seems unimaginable. But it’s true, and administrators from Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College noticed that trend before the survey was taken.
To support their students in those situations, they proactively created programs to help, including a free food pantry allowing students in need to stop by once a month and take up to 15 lbs. of food and any hygiene products they might need. Washington state also created the Washington College Grant which will be available to WA residents later this fall. It offers free and partial tuition depending on their income. As cost of living continues to rise, it is likely that more and more college students may experience the same food and shelter struggles as they transition out of their homes into higher education.
To watch a short video about the homeless challenge on Washington College campuses from KYLY.com/Channel 4, a local Spokane station, click here.
We, at Sheltering Grace, understand the struggle of homelessness. Our primary services focus on homeless mothers and babies. If those individuals touch your heart, please contact us at 678-337-7858 to learn how you can help. Each mother and baby will be truly grateful for your kindness.
Sheltering Grace Ministry, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 Ltd. non-profit ministry. We resolve the initial crisis of homelessness by providing mothers with a safe place to live during pregnancy. We also equip them with the tools they need to improve decision-making, enhance employment options, and increase family income to act responsibly as the head of their household. All of our services develop their self-reliance to progress to permanent independent living. Please join us in renewing and rebuilding the lives of these brave women – #Be1of5000.
