By Dr. Queena Hoang

Graduation rates have increased across California public colleges, yet racial disparities among students still persist. Structural inequities leave students of color and other marginalized groups more affected by basic needs insecurity. Studies, research, and practice have proven that college students do experience homelessness. Homelessness among students isn’t always visible, it is often experienced in hidden or unstable way. Defined as lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing, homelessness affects 1:4 California Community College (CCC) students and 1:10 California University Students (CSU) students. Sadly, over 1.5 million students nationwide face this reality. 

It’s really important to understand that students in college do experience homelessness, [and] it’s important to say that out loud… I think it’s still not clear to everyone that students are going to college and sometimes lack a fixed, regular and adequate place to stay… For many students, that does mean they’re living in spaces that are not meant for human habitation, or they’re moving from place to place. -Dr. Rashida Crutchfield, California State University, Long Beach, Center for Equitable Higher Education

Recently, Dr. Crutchfield and Jessica Wolin shared findings from a three-year evaluation of the College Focused Rapid Rehousing (CFRR) strategy. During Addressing Student Homelessness: Findings From the College Focused Rapid Rehousing Program, presenters emphasized the importance of addressing the housing crisis among California college students. Following the presentation, a panel of experts offered insights, recommendations, and best practices. 

What Is College Focused Rapid Rehousing?

Jovenes Inc first developed the College focused Rapid Rehousing model in Southern California. Program leaders envision CFRR as a way to meet the needs of students experiencing homelessness. CFRR also helps students who are not well served by campus short term assistance and require longer term, holistic support. 

The key to CFRR is that it is grounded in a campus community partnership.  Wendy Rubio, Senior Director at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, Long Beach shared, “The collaboration that we had between Cal State Long Beach and Lutheran Social Services of Southern California really demonstrated how valuable such partnerships can be, especially when there is a shared vision, when there’s open communication and there’s that mutual respect.” Such partnerships leverage the strengths of both the academic institution and a community housing organization that know how to effectively serve people experiencing homelessness. The goal of CFRR is that students will achieve positive outcomes in the areas of academics, housing stability, financial security, physical and emotional well being.

Impacts of CFRR

Between 2020 – 2024, the program housed 639 students.  The three-year study had a number of notable impacts on students including: 

• CFRR participants enrolled at CSUs reported significantly higher probability of staying in school and graduating than students who received short term assistance. 
• Participation in the program mitigated strain and distraction due to housing insecurity. We saw that students had higher levels of confidence in their ability to manage work and their lives. 
• CFRR participants experienced significant improvements in their mental health. They reported a notable decrease in their overall stress and feeling more confident in being able to handle personal problems. 
• Students reported that they were better able to ensure that they received a nutritious diet and were able to cook for themselves more nutritious foods because they actually had a place to live.

By providing this holistic approach, coordinated efforts between the colleges and the community based organization not only provide the housing stability for the student, but also creates a supportive environment that helps the student to achieve their academic success, wellbeing, and ultimately addresses the students’ homelessness situation. -Wendy Rubio

To learn more about the impact of CFRR, visit the CFRR webpage and read the report.

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About Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.