Support Kira Canada's Summer Housing Needs

Hi, my name is Kira Canada. I’m a rising senior at Howard University and a recent transfer student. While I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my education at Howard, the transition has come with unexpected challenges—especially around housing.

When I was accepted, I was told that student housing would be guaranteed. Unfortunately, that promise wasn’t honored, and I had to quickly find my own housing without any support from the university. With just five short weeks to relocate from Iowa, I signed a lease at an off-campus student housing complex—the only option available to me at the time.

Throughout the year, I’ve also reached out to the university multiple times for support with housing and financial aid. Unfortunately, I’ve received little to no help, which has left me to navigate these challenges primarily on my own.

Through financial aid refunds, I was able to cover my rent during the school year. But now that summer has arrived, those funds have been exhausted. Because my lease runs year-round, I’m fully responsible for summer rent and living expenses on my own.

Right now, I’m doing everything I can to make ends meet. I’ve started a new job, though I’m still in training with limited hours. In addition, I’ve been donating plasma, working with a nonprofit organization, and helping to set up and serve at my church. I’m also taking a summer course to stay on track for graduation.

Despite these financial and housing struggles—which have persisted throughout my first year at Howard—I maintained a 3.9 GPA this past academic year. I’ve remained committed to my education, to giving back, and to staying grounded in faith and service, trusting that God will provide.

Currently, I have an overdue rent payment of $800 that was due on June 1st. I’ve split the payments to avoid the full cost upfront, but I still don’t have the funds to cover it. What little I do have is going toward food, transportation, and other living expenses.

I’ve set a goal of $5,000 to help cover rent and essential living expenses through the summer—until September, when I’ll begin receiving financial aid again. Your support will help me stay housed, help with traveling expenses to visit home, finish my course, continue serving my community, and prepare for my senior year with peace of mind.

If you’re able to support me in any way—through a donation, a share, or even encouragement—I would be incredibly grateful.

Direct donations are also welcome via:

Cash App: $kiracaadaa

Venmo: @kiracanada1

PayPal: paypal.me/kiracanada1

Apple Pay: [phone redacted]

Thank you so much for your time, kindness, and support.

With love and gratitude,

Kira