Students create housing for peers facing homelessness
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Across the United States, young adults are establishing housing solutions for their peers experiencing homelessness.
Liam, a student at the University of California, Davis, found support at Aggie House after a family conflict left him without a place to live. Aggie House, created and run by UC Davis students, provides low-cost apartments for classmates facing housing insecurity. Approximately 3.5 million people aged 18 to 25 experience homelessness annually in the U.S., making them vulnerable to exploitation and health crises.
Recognizing this, students are forming networks to support one another, offering not just shelter but also a sense of belonging and understanding that traditional shelters may lack. Hayven Angelique Pfister of Aggie House notes that student residents often share similar challenges, fostering a more comfortable environment. Initiatives like Aggie House and Y2Y in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provide temporary housing and connect young people with resources to find more permanent solutions.
Y2Y, founded by Harvard students, specifically caters to young adults who may avoid traditional shelters due to safety concerns or past negative experiences. Both organizations rely on student volunteers who offer mentorship, build community, and assist residents in navigating support programs, with some guests successfully transitioning to rental units or transitional housing.
