Student Basic Needs
Understanding Basic Needs: Food and Housing Insecurity Among Former Foster Youth
Access to stable housing and nutritious food is essential for college success—yet for many students with foster care experience, these basic needs remain unmet.
To better understand the scope of this issue in Ohio, Foster Success, in partnership with research firm Chamberlin/Dunn and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, conducted a two-part study examining food and housing insecurity among postsecondary students who have been part of the state’s Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program.
The findings reveal that food and/or housing insecurity is widespread among Ohio’s collegiate foster youth, often creating significant barriers to academic success and overall well-being. The reports also highlight campus-level challenges and offer strategic recommendations for institutions seeking to better support these students.
These insights are a valuable resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers committed to advancing equity and improving outcomes for foster youth in higher education.
- Find the 2024 Report Below: Food + Housing Insecurity for Ohio’s Collegiate Foster Youth
- Find the 2025 Report Below: Campus Barriers and Strategies