Fresno State’s Center for Essential Needs received a $500,000 Rapid Rehousing and Housing Security Program grant from the CSU Chancellor’s Office to develop and enhance programming for students facing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Funds will be disbursed to the center from the Chancellor’s Office through June 2028.

Diana Karageozian, lead clinical case manager at the Center for Essential Needs, said, “Homelessness has a devastating impact on a student’s ability to focus on their studies, pursue their aspirations and build a future. This grant will provide critical support to help students find stable housing quickly, so they can stay focused on their education, not on where they will sleep tonight.”

The Center for Essential Needs, formerly known as Project HOPE, was established on campus in 2016.

The center’s mission is to provide students with equitable support to ensure their needs are met, and they can persist to degree completion and personal success, while taking into consideration each student’s personal experiences and beliefs, values and goals for the future.

“This level of support from the CSU system is a testament to their deep commitment to addressing the most essential needs of Fresno State students,” Karageozian said. “We are incredibly grateful to our leadership for recognizing this critical issue and investing in the future of our students.”

Case Managers Provide Help

Students needing assistance can meet with a case manager who can connect them to on- and off-campus resources to support housing, food and financial security, as well as physical and mental health.

All enrolled students — including undergraduate, graduate, international and undocumented students — are eligible for resources available at the Center for Essential Needs.

“Completing a college degree is transformative. Yet, far too many students face barriers that prevent them from crossing the finish line,” said Dr. Kent Willis, vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State. “We’re thrilled that Fresno State was selected for the CSU’s Rapid Rehousing grant, accelerating our work to support students and improve graduation rates.”

To learn more about the Center for Essential Needs, or to connect with a case manager, visit https://studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/essentialneeds/index.html.