WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, legislation to provide low-income students the opportunity to maintain access to affordable housing while attending school full time was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.
Existing law prohibits such individuals from qualifying for low-income housing if they become full-time students. Known as the “Student Rule,” the provision was originally written to prevent granting funds to students who appear low-income on paper, but have access to substantial financial resources. While the rule has protected monies intended for truly low-income individuals, it has forced homeless students to choose between pursuing higher education and continuing to qualify for housing assistance.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in the Senate, and Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) in the House, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow formerly homeless students to live in housing financed by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit while attending school full-time.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their financial status,” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus, a bipartisan child advocacy organization. “We commend Senator Stabenow and Congressman Ellison for their outspoken leadership to ensure that low-income students receive the assistance they need to further their academic studies and continue on a path towards a better future.”
Part-time students not only wait longer to receive a diploma, but they are also offered fewer opportunities for critical financial aid and scholarship monies.
“Some of our most vulnerable students are facing a Catch-22: attend school full time and risk homelessness, or keep their homes and seriously jeopardize their dreams of an education,” said Senator Stabenow. “This legislation will protect our children from a false choice – one they shouldn’t have to be making in the first place.”
“A choice between homelessness and higher education is one that no one should have to make,” Congressman Ellison stated. “And we certainly shouldn’t be asking our children to decide between a home and a better future.” Ellison continued. “These at-risk kids want to go to school. We should be encouraging their desire to do so by opening the door to education, opportunity, and a better way of life,” Ellison concluded.
The proposed legislation has the potential to positively affect tens of thousands of youth nationwide – especially as the number of homeless youth continue to rise as a result of the nation’s struggling economy. A report released last year by First Focus revealed that over 2 million children will be directly impacted by the foreclosure crisis. A follow up report released last month, found that due to the economic and housing crises, school districts across the country have experienced a significant spike in the number of homeless students.