Homelessness

SWC Cares has a dedicated program specifically for students experiencing homelessness or at immediate risk of losing housing. HHIP provides housing navigation, case management, connections to shelter resources, and additional basic needs support. To get started, complete the HHIP Request Form. Someone will contact you within 1 to 2 business days.

You may be eligible if you are currently enrolled and experiencing one of the following:

• Living in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, or a temporary housing program
• Living in a car, public space, abandoned building, or similar setting
• Temporarily staying with friends or family due to loss of housing and must leave within 14 days
• Received an eviction notice and are at immediate risk of losing housing

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SWC Cares is your first stop for support. If you are experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, transportation challenges, or an unexpected financial hardship, SWC Cares can connect you with resources and assistance. You only need to be enrolled in at least 1 class, credit or non-credit, to qualify. Visit the SWC Cares page or complete a Basic Needs Request Form to get started. Someone from the team will follow up with you personally.

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If an unexpected financial emergency is putting your ability to stay in school at risk, the SWC Cares Emergency Grant may be able to help. This grant was created to help students stay enrolled and on track toward their goals. Students may submit up to one application per semester. The maximum lifetime award is $500.

The Emergency Grant application is currently closed and will reopen in Fall 2026. Visit the SWC Cares page for updates.

To qualify:

• Be currently enrolled in classes during an active semester
• Have a temporary financial need resulting from a sudden and unexpected emergency
• Note that requested amounts are not guaranteed and all applications go through a committee review

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If you are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, the Financial Aid Office may be able to help. Students in this situation may qualify for an adjustment to their dependency status, which can change how financial aid eligibility is calculated and potentially open the door to additional aid options, including loan eligibility to help cover living expenses.

Every situation is different and each case is reviewed individually. To get started, email the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@swccd.edu. Please use your SWC email address only to send us communications.

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Free shower facilities are available on the Chula Vista campus for students experiencing homelessness. They are located in the Field House, Building 1700, Room H103 for women and H107 for men.

Hours during fall and spring semesters: Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. Hours during winter and summer sessions follow the Field House hours of operation.

For more information, call (619) 216-6626.

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The Jag Kitchen is a free food pantry available to all currently enrolled SWC students. No proof of income or eligibility forms are required. Just bring your SWC student ID and sign in with a Jag Kitchen volunteer. The Jag Kitchen is located in Room 554 on the Chula Vista campus. Kitchenettes are also available at the Higher Education Centers in San Ysidro and National City.Back to top

Students under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness when they attend SWC may qualify for priority enrollment. This means you can register for classes earlier than most other students, giving you a better chance of building a schedule that works for your situation.

To receive priority enrollment, you will need to provide one of the following:

• A letter from a homeless services provider
• A letter from a federal TRIO program
• A homelessness or at-risk determination from the Financial Aid Homeless Liaison

Bring your documentation to the Admissions & Records Office. For help with this process, contact Angel Salazar in the Financial Aid Office at (619) 421-6700 ext. 5255 or asalazar@swccd.edu.

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