Resources for Students With Basic Needs Insecurity

Data from The Hope Center shows that around 3 in 5 U.S. college students experience some form of basic needs insecurity, whether that's a lack of food due to insufficient finances, unreliable living arrangements, or even homelessness.

Many students facing food and/or housing insecurity struggle to find the support and guidance they need. The following list includes links to an array of resources, such as nonprofits that advocate for students experiencing homelessness, interactive tools and maps for finding more affordable housing, and government programs and benefits for low-income individuals.

Housing Assistance

• 211

  Available across the U.S., this 24/7, toll-free number connects callers to community resource specialists. The line partners with more than 200 agencies, including Goodwill and United Ways. Services include rent and utility assistance, subsidized housing assistance, and access to emergency shelters.

• HUD Resource Locator

  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives subsidies to apartment owners, allowing them to offer units at discounted rental rates. HUD offers this nationwide aggregator of subsidized apartment and rental properties. Apartment-seekers can use this tool to locate less expensive housing options and contact managers directly.

• Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS

  People experiencing homelessness are at an elevated risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The HOPWA program provides housing assistance for anyone living with HIV/AIDS, including college students. The federal program also includes chemical dependency and mental health treatment, nutrition counseling, and job placement services.

• Projects for Assistance in Transition From Homelessness

  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) works with nearly 500 organizations nationwide to provide services for people experiencing homelessness due to substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders. Services include referrals for housing.

Transportation, Childcare, and Living Expenses

• Subsidized Bus Passes

  Students experiencing homelessness and low-income students may qualify for subsidized or free bus passes through human service agencies in their local communities. These agencies typically receive the bulk of their funding from federal, state, and local government grants. Bus passes can be beneficial for students commuting to campus and recent graduates seeking employment.

• Child Care and Development Fund

  This federal program provides assistance to low-income families with working parents who require childcare services. Eligible recipients must be the parents or primary caregivers for children under the age of 13, or children under the age of 19 with disabilities or other conditions that make them incapable of self-care.

• Office of Child Care

  Low-income learners and students experiencing homelessness who have young children may qualify for childcare subsidies and assistance services through the Department of Health and Social Services. The Office of Child Care offers this national listing of department contact information for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

  A federally funded program, LIHEAP subsidizes monthly energy bills for low-income families. Other services include energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and related home repairs and improvements. LIHEAP is available in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

• Rural Rental Assistance

  Many colleges are based in rural communities. Administered by the Department of Agriculture, the Rural Rental Assistance program subsidizes monthly expenses for low-income individuals whose rent exceeds 30% of their monthly income. Applicants can contact their local Rural Development office for more information.

Federal Benefits and Other Government Programs

• Social Security Disability Insurance Program

  The U.S. government offers Social Security disability insurance and benefits to individuals who can't work due to medical conditions. In order to qualify, applicants must be at least 18 and not currently receiving other Social Security benefits.

• Benefits for Veterans

  Nearly 40,000 U.S. veterans experience homelessness, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. The GI Bill® provides educational assistance to veterans, service members, and their dependents. Candidates can access information on programs and benefits using the comparison tool on the Department of Veterans Affairs' website.

• Earned Income Tax Credit

  Also known as the EITC or EIC, this tax credit targets low-income individuals. In order to be eligible, single individuals with no children must have earned less than $15,820 in 2020 or less than $21,430 in 2021. Refer to the official IRS instructions for more information on whether you qualify for this credit and how to claim it.

• Supplemental Security Income

  Financed with funds from the U.S. Treasury, SSI provides benefits to low-income people who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. The monthly payments can be used to pay for food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials. SSI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid assistance to help pay for doctor visits, prescription medications, and other medical services.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program

  The TANF program provides financial assistance to low-income families. In addition to cash payments, services include childcare assistance and job counseling. Candidates must apply for TANF benefits through their state or local welfare office.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Food Recovery Network

  Created in 2011, FRN is the biggest student-led organization aimed at ending hunger and food waste in the U.S. The program can be found on over 150 college campuses. Students can start their own FRN chapter by filling out an online application.

• Challah for Hunger's Campus Hunger Project

  Students who are passionate about helping individuals facing food insecurity can join Challah for Hunger's Campus Hunger Project. The group encourages students to advocate for change by using its digital toolkit and provides a map showing which campuses have Challah for Hunger chapters.

• SchoolHouse Connection

  Aiming to end homelessness through education, this nonprofit offers a wealth of resources to educate college students about homelessness and encourage them to take action. The site provides tips for raising awareness and joining advocacy efforts.

Editor's Note: This article contains general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a professional advisor before making decisions about financial, legal, and/or health-related issues.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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