Help For Homeless College Students

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - With such high poverty in many urban areas, cities struggle with increasing homeless populations. Community College of Philadelphia has developed a worthwhile project in which students in shelters, transitional living or who are food insecure are connected to resources.

Students enrolled in the program work with staff in getting assistance in finding homes, employment and food and in developing skills to overcome such obstacles, so that they can remain in school and achieve their academic goals.

Workshops and seminars are organized on topics such as career development, financial management and housing assistance with complimentary lunch at each workshop. Food stipends, clothing vouchers and SEPTA passes are other benefits.

In the first year, there were 43 participants and this winter the number grew to 69; 56% were males.

For information, contact Dr. Claudia Curry at CCurry@ccp.edu.

The Homeless Student Support Project is a good model for replication.