Depaul USA - LA Dax: Ending College Homelessness & Empowering Graduation

Affordable housing and homelessness

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Homelessness and housing insecurity are growing barriers to college completion for low-income students in Los Angeles. In April, the Student HOMES Coalition reported that “A majority of higher education students in California are rent-burdened and thousands of students experience homelessness each year.” A 2020 report from UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools found 1 in 5 California Community College, 1 in 10 California State University and 1 in 20 University of California students experience homelessness.
In Los Angeles, housing costs are exceptionally high and ever more students are at risk of dropping out of school due to homelessness. Low-income, first-generation, BIPOC, and LGBT+ students are especially at risk. Without a college degree, these promising students face futures with fewer opportunities and lower earning potential than their peers who have graduated.

The Los Angeles Dax Program provides deeply subsidized, transitional housing in a time of crisis and gives students the holistic, wrap-around support they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and financially. Students are referred to the program by campus care teams and receive a furnished bed room in a shared house with common kitchen and dining areas. Comprehensive case management connects students with physical and mental health care and resources to address food insecurity. Students are supported in obtaining part time employment and developing financial literacy and management skills. A live-in House Manager helps students navigate day-to-day challenges and build a sense of community within the residence.
The Los Angeles Dax Program is set apart from other youth housing programs in that unlike a shelter, it prioritizes social and community integration and offers students a supportive, home-like environment. The Los Angeles Program is also modeled on successful Depaul USA Dax Programs in three other cities. Through this innovative and uniquely national approach, Depaul USA leverages expertise and best program practices across locations.

Our vision is that every homeless and housing-insecure college student in Los Angeles can successfully graduate with the skills they need to thrive and live into their fullest potential.
C.J. is a 26-year-old veteran of the Marines. Once he left the service, he was unable to find a job that allowed him to afford housing in Los Angeles. He lived in multiple shelters and enrolled in LA Trade Tech’s 2-year barber program. However, living in shelter made it difficult for him to sleep at night and to focus on his studies. After a few months, he was referred to the Dax program. C.J. hopes to graduate and open his own barbershop one day.
With support from LA 2050, the LA Dax Program will be well equipped to implement and sustain a significant program expansion, making this dream possible for up to 27 students beginning in fall 2025, and laying the groundwork to grow to help even more students in the future.