Invisible Struggles; The Journey to Becoming a Supportive Adult for Students Experiencing Homelessness and/or Time in Foster Care

If we don’t help our students get through the challenges they are experiencing, we are doing a disservice not only to our institution but the broader society. We will have failed in our mission for education. Most students who have had very challenging lives see education and college as a way out. We need to make sure that hope is not misplaced. Overcoming the stigma society attaches to homeless is the first hurdle. Identifying the students with this "invisible struggle" is the second. Colleges are building "safety nets" for students by providing food pantries and housing.