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ABSTRACT
Some students in higher education experience food insecurity and homelessness; however, the experience specifically for social work students has not been explored. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of 16 social work students in 4-year universities who lacked basic needs and examines how their need to seek support influenced their educational careers. Findings show that students faced tremendous challenges in their physical, mental, and academic well-being. Social work students navigated their circumstances while learning their professional roles in service to marginalized communities. However, some students were hesitant to seek resources because they perceived themselves as helpers, not help seekers. Social work educators can ensure student success by normalizing help-seeking behavior and support the development of on-campus resources.
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Notes on contributors
Rashida M. Crutchfield
Rashida M. Crutchfield is associate professor at California State University, Long Beach.
Jennifer Maguire
Jennifer Maguire is associate professor at Humboldt State University.
Charmaine D. Campbell
Charmaine D. Campbell is a community-based social worker.
Dianka Lohay
Dianka Lohay is the basic-needs manager at Long Beach City College.
Stephanie Valverde Loscko
Stephanie Valverde Loscko is a program specialist in crisis response in the Orange County Department of Education.
Rachael Simon
Rachael Simon is a systems policy fellow for Los Angeles County.