YVC Awarded Grant to Help Combat Homelessness

YVC was recently awarded a grant from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges to help students who are struggling fnancially so they can stay in school and complete their degrees. The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Pilot Program created six pilot projects across Washington State for students who are homeless or were in foster care. YVC is one of four community and technical colleges and two universities selected to participate for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years. Colleges can use the funds to help students with short-term housing or housing assistance; laundry facilities, storage and showers; food cards; technology; and case-management services. YVC was awarded $110,000 for this two-year grant. In addition, this spring the grant was able to help several students living in the Student Residence Center on the Yakima Campus.

“National studies indicate a substantial level of homelessness amongst college students,” stated Counselor Esther Huizar. “YVC will use the grant to focus on improving identifcation and prioritization of students experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The plan is to ensure identifed students receive direct service to address basic needs on campus and referrals to housing resources with our community partners.”