LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A study conducted by Jefferson Community & Technical College reveals some students face food and housing insecurity all while taking classes.
The college is highlighting a program during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week that supplies students with the basic resources needed to get through the day.
JCTC's survey showed about 25% of students questioned about facing food insecurity said it's an issue, and that one out of 10 students reported experiencing houselessness within the last year.
Their data showed food insecurity has gradually increased among students within the last four years. The study also highlights that 53% of students said their financial situation is often or always stressful.
The HUB @ Jefferson, located in the basement of Chestnut Hall at the downtown campus, is a program looking to combat these stats.
"We see lately about 400 students in The HUB a month," Johni Ison, assistant director of the program, said.
The HUB offers free food, clothing and personal hygiene items to any student in need. Ison said they also offer events and workshops towards the health and well being of students. These workshops include building resumes, self care and time management. They also offer financial assistance through two funds.
"We have a student emergency fund and that fund is based on needs such as needing a bill paid or if you're facing a houseless situation," Ison said. "Or if you're trying to move into a new home. The student emergency fund will pay their landlord. That fund is really big on keeping the basic necessities going."
The program also offers the ScionHealth Fund focusing on the health needs of students like a bill from a doctor's office. It also covers situations like if a student's car window was broken into.
Last year, JCTC's program helped over 1,000 students. One of which was single mom Keyauna Penick who is studying to be a substitute teacher.
"So having two kids and just coming to school, coming to work and also taking care of them in today's society it's a lot tougher to survive," Penick said. "So having The HUB is really like grace because it allows people to come and not only receive food, but diapers, wipes pretty much anything you need."
It's a one-stop-shop for fresh produce workshops and clothing options like professional outfits or children's clothes. But students must seek out The HUB themselves and bring their student identification card to receive the benefits.
"A closed mouth doesn't get fed so you have to ask for your needs in order to receive," Penick said.
Ison said this data is limited to those who answer the survey, and that there could be more students needing assistance who don't say a word.
"Having a basic need is important to being able to even keep the focus for a whole hour in a classroom," Ison said. "It's just super important to me that students have a space. That they have their basic needs so they can keep going, so they can keep growing, so they are able to be successful and reach their careers."
The HUB is always taking donations and needs the public's help to keep their mission going. To find out more on how you can help the college ensure no student goes hungry or has professional clothes for interviews click here.