Every November, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week reminds us of the growing challenges faced by individuals and families across our nation including right here in our own community. At Southwestern College, we see the impact of housing and food insecurity every day in the lives of our students. But we also see something else just as powerful: resilience, hope, and the strength of community.
Take Mercedes, for example, a student who arrived on our campus facing personal hardship and instability, but determined to continue her education. What she didn’t expect was the overwhelming support waiting for her. With encouragement from her peers, she was connected to SWC CARES, our campus-wide initiative that brings together a wide range of support services to ensure no student is left behind due to basic needs insecurity.
Mercedes was not alone. A 2023 HOPE survey conducted by Temple University found that two out of three SWC students reportedly have struggled with food insecurity, housing insecurity, or homelessness. Seven percent of students surveyed said they had not eaten in three or more days.
SWC CARES is much more than a program, it’s a reflection of who we are as a college. We believe that access to higher education must include access to basic needs like food, housing, clothing, emergency funding, and compassionate guidance. By centralizing essential services and creating a welcoming, stigma-free environment, SWC CARES helps students navigate challenges so they can stay focused on their goals.
Since the beginning of this academic year, 17% of the Basic Needs Request forms were made specifically to address homelessness concerns.
Our CARES team can coordinate safe and secure shelter for those facing homelessness or eviction through hotel vouchers or other affordable options. They also connect students with social services agencies for long-term housing solutions.
Any enrolled SWC student can seek assistance at any time. In addition to homelessness issues, our programs help with basic needs in the following ways:
- The Jag Kitchen Pantry is a safe and judgment-free zone in our Student Union for students to access food and household items free of cost. This past year, over 3,000 unduplicated student Basic Needs Requests were made for fresh produce, canned goods, bus passes or personal hygiene products. Jag Kitchenettes are also found at our higher education centers in National City, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro.
- Through our Cares Closet/Diaper Bank, students can select donated clothing for interviews, events, daily wear, and seasonal wear at no cost. Over 1,700 visits were made to the closet last year. Through partnership with the San Diego Food Bank, students are able to obtain free diapers and wipes monthly.
- SWC Connects is a technology loaner program for students who need a borrowed laptop or computer. Over 700 devices were loaned last year and we also assist by purchasing broadband internet access services and technology equipment.
- SWC Cares Emergency Grant program provided 390 awards for monetary assistance due to unexpected financial emergencies. The grant intends to help students overcome life’s obstacles and continue their educational journey.
Community colleges have long been the educational safety net for students of all ages. During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and this season of Thanksgiving, we invite our community to stand with us. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, every effort counts. Those who would like to support our campus community by donating food, clothing, or making a tax-deductible, monetary contribution through our Foundation can do so by visiting www.swccd.edu/foundation.
Thanks to the strong network of support and resources at Southwestern College, Mercedes has become our newest student trustee! Her journey from homelessness to leadership is a testament to resilience, and a powerful reminder that when we invest in students, we can transform lives.
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