Senator Portantino Legislation to Aid Homeless College Students in California Passes the California State Senate

Friday, May 24 2019

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s (D–La Cañada Flintridge) SB 568 to address the problem of homelessness amongst college students passed the California State Senate. SB 568 would establish the College-Focused Rapid Rehousing Program, which seeks to provide housing options for homeless students.  It would also provide services to support homeless students as they transition into stable housing.

Currently, California is having a crisis in homelessness among its college students. According to a 2018 report by the Los Angeles Community College District, a full 1 in 5 student has experienced an episode of homelessness within the last 12 months. A study of California State University (CSU) students found that 11% of students reported being homeless one or more times in the last year.

“Obtaining a college education can be challenging under the best of circumstances.  For many students, just having a place to sleep and study is also a challenge.  Far too many students face economic hardships that force them to be homeless which is why I am proud that SB 568 is moving forward in the legislature,” commented Senator Portantino.

SB 568 hopes to provide funding to participating campuses and students who meet certain requirement making them eligible to obtain aid for housing. SB 568 would address the mounting crisis of homelessness among college students by establishing housing resources within the Community College, CSU Chancellor’s Offices, UC Office of the President and by requiring campuses that receive funding to implement measures to maximize the financial aid received by homeless students.  It is a landmark effort to ensure link-age to community-based housing resources by our most needy college students.

SB 568 is sponsored by former Senate Pro Tem John Burton’s foundation; John Burton Advocates for Youth and Co-sponsored by Cal State Student Association.

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