New Denver residence will house at-risk or homeless college students
During her first semester at Chicago’s Malcolm X College, Nikya Harrell had had enough. It was winter, and she was cold. She was bouncing to and from family members’ houses and sometimes could only afford one meal a week. Harrell came to school…
A new student residence in Denver will provide housing for at-risk and homeless college students, addressing a pressing need for safe living spaces near academic institutions. Nikya Harrell, a 24-year-old Chicago resident who participated in Depaul USA's Dax Program, emphasized the importance of having a stable place to live while pursuing higher education, stating, "You're never alone."
The Dax Program, established in 2015, currently operates 11 student housing programs across Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York, having housed 494 students in total. The Denver location, situated in an 1890s brick duplex in North Capitol Hill, is one of the larger residences and will be able to accommodate up to 15 students. This expansion aims to serve approximately 110 students annually, significantly expanding the program's reach.
To qualify for residency, students must work a minimum of 10 hours per week, maintain good academic standing, and pay reduced-cost monthly rent. The program offers various resources, including movie nights, Sunday dinners, food pantries, financial literacy workshops, employment assistance, and referrals for physical and behavioral health services. According to Depaul USA, about 95% of residents find permanent housing after participating, and 84% either remain in school or graduate.
Both Metropolitan State University of Denver and Regis University currently assist around 80 to 90 students experiencing homelessness annually. While these institutions offer some forms of support, such as emergency housing and connections to additional resources, students may still face challenges in securing stable housing. The Dax Program aims to provide a more sustainable solution by offering residents a dedicated living space that allows them to focus on their academic pursuits without the constant worry of where they will sleep.
The new Denver residence serves as a testament to the program's success and its potential to make a significant impact on the lives of college students facing housing insecurity. By providing a supportive environment and essential resources, the Dax Program continues to empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals.
Written by urgent.news from Chalkbeat's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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