PHA to Provide Housing for Community College of Philadelphia Students
PHA to Provide Housing for Community College of Philadelphia Students Who Are Housing Insecure, Involved in Foster Care System
Two dorm-like buildings will accommodate up to 16 students
(Philadelphia – May 20, 2021) – Students at Community College of Philadelphia who do not have a stable place to live will soon be eligible for low-cost student housing provided by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA).
The agreement with the College would renovate and provide two buildings with dormitory-like set-ups, to house up to 16 students and common living areas. The buildings are located on North 10th and 11th streets, less than a mile from campus.
“We have too many talented students in Philadelphia who are unable to continue their education because they are homeless,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “We share a mutual interest with the College in assisting these students in transitioning, through education, to selfsufficiency and permanent housing, the kind of opportunity and life all of us strive for.”
The program provides more than just a roof over students’ heads. The PHA and the College will provide other supports. For example, once a student moves in, PHA will work with them to establish a stability plan with the goal of establishing secure, permanent housing.
The College will provide a Campus Support Champion for students coming from the foster care system through the Fostering Caring Connections program. It will also provide academic advising services, academic–related counseling services as needed, learning lab tutoring, and on-line tutoring through Tutor.com.
Participating students will also be able to apply for scholarships to supplement tuition as well as other emergency funds. The College’s Career Connections office will offer help with job searches, career readiness supports, and other programming.
“We are grateful to the PHA for helping us make higher education more accessible to Philadelphia’s students,” said Dr. Donald Guy Generals, the College’s president. “We have bright, highly motivated students who aren’t making it across the finish line to graduation because they suddenly find themselves without suitable housing, or face financial hardship.”
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