“We work directly with students to solve their housing challenges, which can include finding a room with a family member or friend, or helping them increase their income to alleviate the burden,” noted The Village’s Peer Navigator, Brigette Zarazua Quintero.
Quintero covers five community colleges and underscored the effort required to reach students, especially during the pandemic. “We’re doing a lot with email and social media and it’s paying off. We get up to 20 referrals in a day.”
“Last week, we secured affordable housing for a young man who recently moved to California for school. His part-time job could not afford him housing, so he was sleeping in his car. We connected with another organization that is now providing him with an affordable place to live. That’s why we’re here. College students deserve a safe place to live without compromising their education.”