ABSTRACT
Graduates of postsecondary education typically experience more financially and socially stable lives. One of the public benefits of a higher education is that communities with college graduates often have better economic vitality and less poverty. Thus, receiving a postsecondary degree or credential is one pathway toward economic and social stability. One population of students that is most in need of stability is students experiencing homelessness or housing vulnerability. Little research exists on homeless college students or the specific types of supports higher and postsecondary institutions provide for this population. This chapter explores the research literature on the experiences of homeless and housing-vulnerable students in higher and postsecondary education. The authors review available demographic data related to homeless college students and discuss what institutional supports are available to postsecondary students experiencing some form of housing instability. Furthermore, they suggest ways to enhance campus engagement and professional practice to improve recognition, retention, and support for students experiencing homelessness. This chapter adds to the conversation related to institutional support for low-income students, college access, and institutional responsibility to promote success for marginalized populations.
