College Funding for Homeless Student

Hi. My name is Grace. I am a recent high school graduate seeking assistance in covering the remaining tuition after scholarships in pursuing further education at St. Catherine’s University in Minnesota. Unfortunately, I was recently forced from my home leaving me homeless, I have no one to cosign for loans and I do not have enough funds to fully cover my dream of attending college. I am scheduled to begin classes after Labor Day. I am hopeful I can still attend.

I knew I could not count on my family for much help, so I looked for schools that waived many of the fees and offered scholarships. St Catherine’s was also attractive to me with their strong Asian Women's Association. They have been very generous with scholarships and grants to cover most of the $54,000+ cost but I have $12,000 that remains, not including the cost of my books. My scholarships for housing are for four years, so I am guaranteed somewhere to live until I get on my feet independently. I have contacted my school to describe my situation and to request additional aid, although during the pandemic, they don’t have much money to spare. Additionally, I have looked into other forms of government aid, but many departments are overwhelmed due to COVID19.

At St. Catherine’s, I am already in the honours program and in Global Perspectives, a group that specifically looks at international affairs. I will also plan to join the Asian Women’s Association, being a Chinese-Vietnamese woman. I joined the Multicultural and International Programs and Services (MIPS) peer mentor program as well. I’d love to make new friends, connect with communities in the Twin Cities, and pursue my college education, but I am stuck in a confusing and difficult position at the moment.

My household has made it clear they are unwilling to assist me. When I was forced out, it was without notice, and therefore I left without many necessary items I need. I will need funds to replace all my documents, clothing (especially winter clothing for Minnesota) and personal care items. I also need funds for dorm necessities, and a laptop for school.

Since the beginning of summer, I have found myself homeless without a permanent place to live.I was not able to take any of my personal documents or possessions besides a duffel bag with a few changes of clothes. Luckily, my friends’ parents, who were familiar with the dynamic of my old household, were kind enough to help me replace some of my missing belongings or to allow me into their homes for the time being. After two months of trying, I am still not allowed to have any of my possessions back from my old house. I have tried contacting my old household numerous times, but requests keep being turned down or pushed back to a later date.

The household dynamic I was in was never harmonious or healthy. I never had the support I needed, and I often had to rely on my friends' families for advice and help. The strained relationship worsened in high school. Due to the unstable environment I was in, I struggled with depression and anxiety and sought out help from counselling and therapy many times. Despite this, I was able to have good relationships with my friends, maintain good grades, and participate in extracurriculars.
I need help starting my life from scratch to continue my education. I am seeking help to replace my documents, pay college expenses, and purchase clothing and the household items I will need to get by. As an immigrant adoptee, I have various additional documents that I must request. Most urgently I need to replace all my documents: copies of birth certificates, state ID, social security card, and a certificate of citizenship - each attached with a fee of some sort.

If you’re able to assist me, please consider! Thank you for reading this and helping me achieve my goals!