The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Foundation announces the creation of an SMCC Emergency Housing Assistance Fund for students with emergency housing needs.
The fund opened with a $10,000 donation from the SMCC President’s Fund and a matching $10,000 gift from the SMCC Foundation. The Foundation has set a $40,000 match challenge funding goal.
“We are challenging all members of the SMCC community to help us reach the $40,000 goal,” Interim Dean of Business and Community Partnerships Julie Chase said. “Helping students with the basic necessity of housing in their time of extreme need supports the College’s mission in a tremendous capacity. By providing this type of financial support we help remove a financial barrier for students which helps students reach their goals and go on to positively impact the lives of those in their community.”
Interim Dean of Students Jason Saucier said the College moved to act quickly in the face of the continued housing challenges faced by SMCC students.
“It’s no secret that southern Maine continues to see housing prices skyrocket while available housing becomes harder to find,” Saucier said. “Unfortunately, the crisis impacts some students more than others, so we want to provide those critically impacted a safety net to ensure they can continue their educational journey without having to wonder where they will sleep at night.”
Grants will be awarded to students facing imminent homelessness through the Dean of Students office and actively working with the office to seek long-term housing plans. Grants may be used to help students secure safe housing and meal plans on campus as well.
If you are in this situation, please get in touch with the Dean of Students Office at 207-741-5571 or email at deanofstudents@smccME.edu.
If you want to contribute to the fund and help The SMCC Foundation reach its goal, please visit https://smccfoundation.schoolauction.net/housing/homepages/show or scan the QR code in the graphic.