It’s hard to focus on a final exam if you don’t know where you’ll sleep that night. Across the country, colleges are grappling with a reality that goes beyond tuition or textbooks: students are showing up to class without stable housing. In California, some campuses are piloting “safe parking” programs so students without homes can at least sleep in their cars on school property.
Student homelessness isn’t new—but it is becoming more visible. And it’s forcing institutions to ask: How many of our students are experiencing this right now? Do we even know?
Why Housing Insecurity Is a Campus Climate Issue
Belonging isn’t just about feeling welcome in a classroom. It’s about having the basic conditions to learn and thrive. When students juggle housing insecurity, food insecurity, or financial strain, retention rates drop. Mental health challenges increase. And trust in the institution erodes.
But here’s the challenge: many students don’t volunteer this information unless they’re asked in the right way, with the assurance of anonymity. That’s where climate surveys come in.
What the Data Can Show
A well-designed climate survey can uncover:
- The scale of the issue → How many students face housing insecurity or homelessness.
- Demographic patterns → Whether certain groups (first-gen, transfer, international) are disproportionately affected.
- Barriers to resources → Why students aren’t using emergency housing funds or support programs already in place.
These insights don’t just describe the problem. They help leaders design real, responsive solutions—from expanding housing assistance to rethinking financial aid.
Listening Builds Belonging
When institutions show that they care enough to ask—and then act on what they learn—students feel seen. Even small policy shifts can send a powerful message: You belong here, and we will support you.
If your campus is serious about tackling student homelessness and building a stronger sense of belonging, you need more than anecdotes. You need data you can trust. Viewfinder® Campus Climate Surveys help institutions uncover hidden challenges like housing insecurity—and turn those insights into action.
