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Basic Needs Act (2SHB 1559) Information

In 2022, students at 39 colleges and five universities across Washington state participated in a survey about basic needs insecurities, including access to food, housing, childcare and more. The survey found that nearly half of all students in all regions of the state experienced some type of basic needs insecurity.

One in every three students experienced either food insecurity or housing insecurity. One in every 10 students had also experienced homelessness in the previous 12 months. Some students experienced these insecurities at higher rates than others, and former foster youth had the highest rates of basic needs insecurities with 75 percent experiencing either food or housing insecurity. 

Addressing basic needs challenges for students contributes to their ability to remain enrolled and pursue their educational goals as evidenced by data from the two student support programs the legislature previously enacted, the student emergency assistance grant program and the supporting students experiencing homelessness pilot program. When students received this assistance, an average of 88 percent of them were able to persist in their programs. Therefore, the legislature intends to continue to support students and help students meet their basic needs by increasing access to resources and support services.

Contact

Jennifer Dellinger
Policy Associate, Student Services
jdellinger@sbctc.edu
360-704-4339

 

Page Manager: eabbenhaus@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 7/31/24, 4:22 PM

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