MCC Daily Tribune

Homelessness Awareness Month & How You Can Help

Please share with students:

Did you know?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) named November as Homelessness Awareness Month to raise awareness of youth and family homelessness. Homelessness and housing insecurity are not issues that only folks in our community deal with - they also affect our students' everyday lives and touch our campus in many ways.

Our campus is not a stranger to working with students who are homeless or housing-insecure, as most of our students do not fit the "traditional" bill; instead, they juggle jobs, families, and their academics, often with housing- and food-related insecurities. Our campus programs, like MCC Assist, DWIGHT food pantries, and 12-month housing, are actively used across our campus locations.

When students are worried about where they will sleep or what they will eat, their academic success, well-being, and our ability to retain them suffer.

Housing insecurity is tightly linked to food insecurity. When someone does not have consistent, safe housing, they also do not have the capacity to manage meals or access groceries. They may not have a place to keep food refrigerated or even store shelf-stable items, limiting their access to healthy, stable nutrition.
The SNAP program is under strain. This month, with payments being cut and/or delayed, families who rely on these benefits to afford groceries are now suffering, including our many students who also take advantage of this program. This service disruption could increase demand at food banks, disrupt supply chains, strain the economy, and deepen hardship. In the future, SNAP benefits have been cut significantly at the federal level, and some SNAP requirements have changed as of November 2, becoming more burdensome for people and families who are already overextended.
Resource awareness is limited/stigma exists. While we have some outstanding campus programs (and people—like our SUNY Homeless Liaison, Nicole Meyer), general knowledge of individual programs could be stronger. Furthermore, some students do not want their peers to be aware that they are homeless/housing insecure, or that they cannot afford food. These students are less likely to seek resources, even when they really need them.

These fundamental intersecting issues (while a minimal view of the challenges) make awareness more important than ever.

What can we do on campus?

Raise awareness of supports. The more we talk with our students about campus resources, the more we can normalize their use. Students can be directed to:
- The campus resource portal tiles;
- The Downtown Student Engagement Office/Nicole Meyer, or
- The Student Rights and Responsibilities Office/Amy Greer.
Donate, if able. There are multiple campaigns already in the works that you can donate to this month, or any month.
- All DWIGHT pantry locations are accepting donations. You can make a one-time donation, sponsor an office basket, or get together and sponsor a particular pantry shelf; or
- The MCC Foundation can accept monetary donations that directly support DWIGHT and/or other basic needs initiatives - Designate a donation for DWIGHT; or
- There is a running list of needed items available on Amazon (use Nicole Meyer, gift address): Harvest of Hope: Amazon Wish List
Advocate, advocate, advocate. Write letters, call representatives, and support causes or organizations that provide basic needs services to our community.
Come and visit a Homelessness Awareness tabling event!
- November 12 & 19 at the Downtown Campus (2nd floor)
- November 13 & 18 at the Brighton Campus (atrium/terrace)

Write letters or sign pre-written letters to our public officials to encourage building and supporting affordable housing projects;
Learn about campus and community resources;
Sign up for MyWayfinder; and
Check your SNAP eligibility with the new requirements, among other things!

Amy Greer, Brighton

Nicole Meyer, Downtown

Amy Greer
Student Rights and Responsibilities
11/06/2025