The largest college in southern San Diego County will use a $1 million grant to investigate ways to build affordable housing for its students.
The Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program awarded Southwestern College the funds so it could explore building multi-million-dollar complexes on its four campuses that could include childcare, parking, and student support services.
“It’s something that our community needs,” said Abril Hernandez.
The second-year student is a single mother and works in Southwestern’s Student Affairs office.
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“Rent is just so ridiculous!" exclaimed art instructor Iana Quesnell, who said she chooses to live in her SUV. “If I wanted to pay rent, I could, but it would take more than half of what I get paid each month and I’m just not willing to do that."
She said some students don’t have a choice and sometimes choose work over school.
“If students can benefit from having housing, I think they’ll stay in school,” said Quesnell.
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Southwestern College said it will explore housing on its campuses in Chula Vista, National City, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa. San Diego City College received a similar grant for $344,000 to explore affordable housing on its campus as well.
