Rising Number of Homeless Students in California: A Deep Dive into the Cal Poly Humboldt Situation
The rising number of homeless students in California has become a pressing issue, with the situation at Cal Poly Humboldt garnering significant attention. As housing insecurity continues to affect thousands of students across the state, it is crucial to analyze the underlying causes and potential solutions. This analytical report delves into the challenges homeless students face in California, specifically focusing on the recent developments at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Cal Poly Humboldt, known for its vital academic programs and polytechnic designation, has been experiencing unprecedented growth. As the university aims to accommodate the increasing student population, a new housing policy was implemented. The approach prioritizes on-campus dorms for Freshmen and transfer students, leaving returning students to find their housing or utilize motel rooms known as bridge housing.
The housing policy change sparked outrage among the student community at Cal Poly Humboldt. In, hundreds of students protested, highlighting the university’s failure to provide affordable housing and accusing it of prioritizing profits over student welfare. The situation escalated when a graffiti artist altered the prominent Cal Poly Humboldt sign to read “Cal Poly Homeless,” further drawing attention to the issue.
Cal Poly Humboldt acknowledged the concerns raised by students and their families regarding the availability of quality, affordable housing. The university committed to offering priority housing to first-year students and maximizing accommodation for transfer and returning students. To address the housing shortage, Cal Poly Humboldt plans to increase bridge housing options by adding approximately 1,000 beds for the Fall 2023 semester. Temporary housing options currently include partnering with local hotels near campus.
While the situation at Cal Poly Humboldt sheds light on the challenges students face, it is essential to understand the broader context of homelessness among students in California. According to the U.S. Department of Education, around one million children in the country are experiencing homelessness, with California being significantly affected. During the 2020–21 school year, California schools identified 183,312 homeless students, and over 85% of them were classified as doubled-up, meaning they were living in shared housing due to various crises.
To address the needs of homeless students, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was enacted. This federal law requires public schools to count and support students living in precarious housing, including doubled-up arrangements. The act mandates the appointment of local liaisons in schools to identify homeless youth and coordinate educational services to enhance their academic success.
Identifying homeless students, particularly those living in doubled-up arrangements, presents challenges for school staff. Different definitions of homelessness under various laws, such as the McKinney-Vento law and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition, complicate the process. Gaining the trust of students and their guardians to disclose their housing situations is crucial but not always easy. Staff turnover among liaisons and state coordinators also hampers consistent support for homeless students.
Schools and staff can play a pivotal role in supporting doubled-up students. Raising awareness about doubled-up and providing information to students and families is an initial step. However, it is essential to note that McKinney-Vento resources have been found to fall short of fully supporting homeless students. Increased federal funding and dedicated resources are necessary to ensure that homeless students receive transportation, basic needs support, and the assistance of full-time school liaisons.
The rising number of homeless students in California, exemplified by the situation at Cal Poly Humboldt, calls for urgent attention and action. Housing insecurity poses significant challenges to students’ academic success and overall well-being. By understanding the complexities of doubled-up arrangements and the limitations of existing support systems, schools, and policymakers can work towards implementing more comprehensive solutions. It is imperative to prioritize the welfare of homeless students and provide them with the necessary resources to thrive academically and personally.
Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
