The Realities of Homelessness Among College Students and the Integrated Resources Available to Help Those in Need
To all the freshman beginning their first year at the University of Montana, welcome. I am sure that this first year and the years to come will present their fair share of challenges. One challenge that is often overlooked at the outset among college students is finding and securing affordable housing. Believe it or not, homelessness among college students is a growing problem on university campuses around the nation. And the percentage of University of Montana students who have experienced homelessness is higher than the national average. A recent survey found that 28% of respondents at the University of Montana have experienced homelessness at one point or another in the past year. An additional 55 % have faced housing insecurity. These statistics suggest that many of you may find yourselves in a set of unfortunate circumstance which may leave you vulnerable to the harsh realities of the housing market.
The disruptions caused by homelessness can seriously compromise mental health and make it harder to successfully complete college and enter the job market prepared. Fortunately, there are resources dedicated to serving the needs of homeless people and those facing housing insecurity. And it is good idea to know ahead of time what they consist of and how to take advantage of them. The city of Missoula is currently invested in a ten year program to end chronic homelessness. One of the key components of this plan is a coordinated entry system. Applicants who access this system and submit personal information relevant to their housing situation will be put in touch with a wide variety of agencies that can help fast-track a rapid resolution to a number of different housing needs.
At the ASUM Renter Center, we would encourage as many students as possible to learn about this system and how to navigate it before you potentially find yourself in a desperate situation. We would be happy to provide any consultation and tips on how to utilize the coordinated entry system effectively. We are currently working with the administrators of this system to bring the ASUM Renter Center on board with their efforts. In the future, college students at the University of Montana will now have additional support and direction in addressing their basic housing needs. Find out more about the coordinated entry system, here.
