The bigger picture:
The report calls on federal and state policymakers – as well as college and university leaders – to collect better data on student caregivers, allocate funds to meet their unique needs as caregivers, and conduct outreach to raise awareness about resources they can access on campus and in the community.
Housing insecurity among college students has gained attention in recent years, with recent reports showing an overwhelming 48% of college students are impacted. But less is known about how the issue affects college students who are caregivers, whom the New America report argues are virtually invisible to policymakers.
“That invisibility has a cost,” the report states. “When policymakers cannot see a population clearly, they cannot design the supports, funding structures, or data systems that population needs to succeed.”
It also says there’s a cost for students when they’re unaware of programs that can help cover the cost of housing.
“When students don’t know that more institutional support could be an option, they’re more likely to turn to short-term fixes, such as moving in with others, taking on additional work, or delaying enrollment, rather than accessing the timely support that could help them stay housed and stay enrolled.”
