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Housing Insecurity Support

In accordance with the Illinois Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act, the Illinois College of Optometry is committed to supporting students that may be at-risk of housing insecurity. Debra Albers, Director of Student Engagement, is the IBHE designated House Liaison for ICO. Together with other staff members in the Student Affairs office, they support students by connecting them to on- and off-campus resources removing barriers so a student can succeed in their studies.

The HOUSE Liaison Process

Who qualifies for support under the Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act?

The Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act supports “students experiencing shelter and care and includes a homeless individual as defined under the federal homelessness” or “homeless student[s]” defined as: “An individual enrolled in an institution who lacks or is at imminent risk of lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Likewise, HOUSE liaisons support "student(s) in care," which is any person regardless of age who is or was under the care and legal custody of the department of children and family services.

Students who are at risk of immediate housing insecurity should work directly with Assistant Dean for Student Success, Beth Karmis.

What do the HOUSE liaisons do?

HOUSE liaisons serve as a liaison for students experiencing housing insecurity by connecting them to on and off campus resources. Those on campus working with students include the Dean of Student Affairs, the Assistant Dean for Student Success, the Financial Aid Coordinator, and the Director of Student Engagement. Resources off-campus include but are not limited to social service agencies, apartment rental services, and shelters.

The liaison is also responsible for gathering and reporting key data (no names or personal information) on this student population to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, including the graduation and retention rate and the number of homeless students and students in care enrolled at ICO each year. 

What if I need housing outside of the academic year?

For all students the HOUSE liaison will work with you to develop a plan to mitigate your housing insecurity. Enrolled students who are deemed as a “homeless student” or “student experiencing homelessness” during a designated academic break (e.g., winter & summer breaks) may be eligible for on-campus housing if there is availability. 

Indicators of a housing insecure student

Some common identifiers include:

Residing with friends in a temporary living space (e.g., couch)

Having no place to live in-between leases or academic break periods

Overly concerned about how to complete documentation needed for the institution that requires parental signatures

Difficulty providing an address

Giving vague answers about their living situation

Stressed about where they will be living during the summer

Hunger

Wearing the same clothes repeatedly

Exhaustion

Expressing feeling like their only option is to drop out of school

Additional Resources

Below is a list of campus and community resources available to support students who are experiencing homelessness or do not have stable housing.

Emergency Assistance:

Local Community Resources:

If you or a student you know is seeking information about local area shelters, drop-in centers, food pantries, and other resources, below you will find searchable guides with customizable filters, including zip code and eligibility requirements.

Streetlight Chicago: Streetlight Chicago is a project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless that provide up-to-date information on critical resources like shelter, food, and health care.
Findhelp: Findhelp's network connects people seeking help (Seekers) and verified social care organizations that serve them. Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
Homeless Shelter Directory also provides information on other services like Food Banks, Free Dental Centers, Free Rehab Center and Free Mental Health Centers.

Food:

Saint James Catholic Church—Food Distribution Center

2907 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616

Regular Pantry Program - St. James Food Pantry distributes food on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 9–11 a.m. If you would like to get help, call 312.842.1919 ext. 215 or visit the pantry during its regular operating hours.

Emergency Program

Emergency services are available to all clients with social service referrals. Emergency food, infant formula, and diapers are provided Monday through Thursday between 9–11 a.m.

Lunch Program for Persons Without Housing

The Lunch Program began in 2005 to address the needs of people without housing who have no way of cooking or refrigerating food. Lunches are served Monday through Thursday from 1–3 p.m.

Second Saturday of the Month Pantry Program

St. James Food Pantry participates in the Food Depository’s Mobile Pantry program to provide supplemental perishable and non-perishable food products to individuals on the second Saturday of the month from 9–11 a.m. This service is designed to ensure that all people in Cook County have access to food during times not typical for food distribution.

Matthew House

3728 South Indiana Avenue
Chicago, IL 60653

Matthew House, a nonprofit and community-based organization, provides food, daytime shelter, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services to men, women, families, and children who are experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.