Access to College
for Students in Temporary Living Situations
How do I know if I'm in a temporary living situation/experiencing homelessness?
If you don’t currently have a place to stay at night or may not in the near future, and your parent(s) or legal guardian isn’t providing shelter and care. You may be sleeping:
- temporarily doubled-up with a friend or family member in a shelter
- in a car
- in an outdoor location
- on a train or bus
- in a public space like a train station or bus depot
- in an abandoned building
What types of assistance are offered?
The HOUSE liaison at your school should be able to help you:
- access financial aid options
- connect with community service providers
- get information on priority housing and/or on-campus housing during breaks if available
- learn about any other services that might be helpful in supporting students
What if I live in a dorm during the school year but experience homelessness during breaks?
If a college offers on-campus housing for student athletes or international students during breaks (winter, spring, or summer), they are required to offer housing to students who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity as well.
Where can I find information about my school’s liaison?
You can find the HOUSE liaison for any college in Illinois here. If you are unable to locate contact information for your school’s HOUSE liaison, please reach out to your school’s financial aid department, which should be able to provide that information.
Am I able to receive financial aid if I am experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity?
Yes, when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, you will be asked whether you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and “unaccompanied” (meaning not living with your parents). Be sure to answer that question accurately.
What if I have lost contact with my parents, they are deceased, or it is unsafe to be in contact with my parents and I do not have their information to include on my FAFSA form?
If you answer “yes” to the homelessness question mentioned above, you will not need to provide contact information for a parent or guardian in order to submit your application.
Do I need to have my own physical address to apply for financial aid?
No, but you will need a mailing address where you can reliably receive mail. If you live in a dorm, you may use that address. If not, you can use the mailing address of a relative or friend who has given you permission to use their address, or you can use your college’s address. Before using your college’s address, you must contact the school for permission and instructions to ensure your mail reaches you. If it is summer or if your address changes, make sure to update your address on your FAFSA form.
