In 2011, approximately 33,039 college students across the nation claimed to be homeless according to FAFSA, The Free Application For Student Aid, and although that number has decreased, the problem still exists.
Moorpark College Coordinator of Student Health Services, Sharon Manakas, knows how important it is to point students in the right direction so they can receive help.
“Financially, students are struggling and their families are struggling,” said Manakis “People have lost jobs and a lot of that burden is going on students having to work and trying to help at home, so even trying to find where can I get food and those types of things is important.”
Students become homeless for various reasons, including being kicked out of their homes, having financial issues, struggling with substance abuse, and many other problems. Moorpark College works as a referral system so students can find help elsewhere. Students are likely to be directed towards the Samaritan Center, a nonprofit donation and grant funded organization, the financial aid office, and the scholarship office.
Adam Abordo, 31 is a Moorpark College student. He is working towards joining the EATM program and wants to major in Natural Sciences. Currently, Abordo lives in his car.
“Unfortunately, I am the result of what happens if you go through a year of failed interviews.” said Abordo.
Through financial aid, Abordo was able to enroll in classes and get all the books he needed, but was not left with any extra money. He was recently informed about the program, EOPS, which helps students buy parking permits and gain priority registration, but it was too late to receive those benefits this semester.
One of the hardest parts of school for Abordo is limited access to technology. He does not have a computer, so he takes advantage of whatever library resources he can by owning 6 library cards and maximizing the two hour frames they permitt.
Twice a week Abordo goes to the Samaritan Center for a hot meal, a shower, and to pick up his mail. The Samaritan Center in Simi Valley provides a wide range of services for those who are homeless or struggling financially. From the hours of 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, the 50 – 90 clients that show up daily have access to basic humanitarian needs including a hot breakfast, packed lunch, shower use, and clothing according to Renne Frumkin, a case manager at the center.
“A lot of people think that all people who are homeless are drug addicts and alcoholics,” said Frumkin. “It’s not true. A lot of people are here because of what is happening in our economy starting in 2008. It’s people who have lost their jobs, who have run out of unemployment and have gone through their 401k’s and their savings, so now their sleeping in their cars.”
The center posts jobs every Monday, and help with resumes. Different advocates come throughout the week to help with various types of issues, including people with mental health and brain injuries.
The Scholarship office can be another helpful resource for struggling students. When students have questions about a scholarship, they can visit the head of the scholarship office, Maria Perez-Medeiros.
Perez-Medeiros puts every inquiring student on an email list, and when a scholarship is available, she sends a newsletter letting those students know. After that, students can come in to receive help with the application. She has also set up a workshop in the writing center, so students can receive help with essay writing.
If you want to help the homeless or get involved with organizations that help the homeless, like the Samaritan Center, they will always take donations, and have a list of products they need most.
