B-CU Librarians Betty Story and Dr. Clarissa West-White Create Resource Guide Focusing on Homeless Students Seeking to Attend College

B-CU Librarians Betty Story and Clarissa West-White, Ph.D., recently completed the Resources For Homeless Students guide that focuses on assisting homeless students (as defined by the Vento-McKinney Act) as well as those who become homeless after high school and desire to attend college. The guide was funded from the American Library Association and Carnegie Whitney Foundation.

The purpose of the Resources for Homeless Students guide is to provide information about various social services available to homeless high school students transitioning to college. Many college students have food and housing insecurities that keep them from giving proper attention to their school work. The guide provides links and phone numbers to aid students in finding scholarships, housing solutions, food banks, and various community resources. Many high schools and colleges have a Single Point of Contact for homeless students in their administration who act as a liaison for students to reduce ‘red tape’ and move them seamlessly from admission to completion without the necessity of repeatedly divulging personal information and having to move from office to office, person to person to handle affairs. 

The guide has information for every state and also features a page about free educational and entertainment resources. Currently the homepage features information about scholarships sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Students and answers to Frequently Asked Questions. 

Librarians plan to share the guide with other libraries as well as homeless organizations and advocates. They encourage students to refer to the guide if they find themselves in need of food and or shelter and to reach out to their advisor, faculty and administrators.