Transition age youth experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness while pursuing higher education

Abstract Transition Age Youth Experiencing Housing Insecurity/Homelessness While Pursuing Higher Education By Maria C. Rosas Master of Social Work Purpose: This study explored the experiences of housing insecure transition age college students to learn what supports and barriers they encountered while pursuing a college degree. Method: The study was an off-shoot of the larger CSU-wide study of student food and housing security but with a small sample of current and former CSUN students with and without foster care history who experienced housing insecurity. The study used a cross-sectional, qualitative, and exploratory research design to capture students' experiences. Semi-formal questions were asked that focused students towards the supports and barriers they encountered and their impact. Results: Three students were interviewed who were similarly situated. Four emerging themes from the study were selected for their similarity across the three students' experiences: 1) Sought Connection and Support Outside their Biological Family; 2) Developed Community and Social Capital; 3) Encountered Barriers with Negative Impact; and 4) Determined Ineligible for Services and Resources.