Food and housing insecurity and homelessness among students in an open-enrollment university*

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on survey findings assessing the extent of food and housing insecurity and homelessness at an open enrollment institution of higher learning in the U.S. A random sample of 3000 degree-seeking students were e-mailed a link to an electronic survey with assistance and institutional support from the Office of Student Affairs. A total of 193 students completed a survey. Over 44% reported experiencing some type of food insecurity and more than 30% reported being unsure of their ability to pay rent. In the current study, 8.3% of students had experienced homelessness since beginning college. Results showed that food and housing insecurity and homelessness were a reality on the study site campus. As a result, greater awareness has developed surrounding college students’ vulnerabilities to food and housing insecurity and homelessness and efforts are underway to identify ways to best support students through degree completion and beyond.

KEYWORDS:

• Homeless youth
• homeless students
• homeless college students
• homelessness
• postsecondary education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Dr. Kathi R. Trawver is a Professor of Social Work and BSW Program Coordinator at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her research focuses on the intersection of serious mental illness, substance abuse, criminal justice contact, homelessness, interpersonal violence and poverty.

Dr. Travis Hedwig is an applied cultural/medical anthropologist and assistant professor of Health Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage. His research examines social constructions and determinants of health inequality in the areas of impairment/disability, housing and homelessness, mental and behavioral health, and community accessibility. He is passionate about teaching and learning and enjoys the challenge of translating research into practice and action in collaboration with communities.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.