LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education is offering a College Rental Assistance Program for students who are at risk of becoming homeless or are experiencing homelessness.
Students that are considered homeless or are experiencing homelessness include those who are couch surfing, are doubled up with another family, live in buildings that are not intended to be dwellings, and/or are going without stable or permanent housing.
To be eligible for the program a student must be from Lake County and taking a minimum of six units of college classes or are participating in a trade school/program.
Funding is also available for high school seniors who are doing dual enrollment at a college and/or for families with young children.
“Having secure and adequate housing is crucial for any youth’s ability to learn. Programs such as this will allow our students the stability to grow and excel in school,” said Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.
According to the National Center for Homeless Education, the number of homeless students enrolled in public school districts and reported by state education agencies during the school year 2016-2017 was 1.3 million students. Lake County has in excess of 750 students in TK-12 grades who are homeless.
The program will provide rental assistance of $500 a month for 10 months and will be paid directly to the landlord. Applications will be accepted for the school year 2020-2021 and space is limited.
The funding from the program is flexible if there is a need for one-time rental assistance to secure housing.
This program is possible through the Homeless Emergency Aid Program that is offered through LCOE's Healthy Start program.
“The focus is our Lake County students and ensuring they have the resources they need to get the education they deserve,” said Ana Santana, director of Healthy Start.
Last year three individuals successfully participated in the program and were able to get funding during the academic school year.
“Lake County’s success starts with our student’s success,” Falkenberg said.
For more information, visit www.lakecoe.org/HealthyStart.
Lake County Office of Education offers College Rental Assistance Program
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On