"I was about to drop out of college because I couldn't afford both tuition and housing. The EBC Homes Program helped me stay in school and focus on my studies."
Anthony, a first-generation college student studying engineering, was working 30 hours a week while taking a full course load. Despite financial aid, he struggled to afford both tuition and housing near campus, often choosing between textbooks and groceries.
"I was exhausted all the time. Working nights at a warehouse and trying to study during the day wasn't sustainable. My grades were suffering, and I was considering dropping out."
Through his college's financial aid office, Anthony learned about the EBC Homes Program's student housing assistance initiative, which provides affordable housing options for students in high-demand academic programs.
"The program coordinator understood that stable housing was essential for academic success. They didn't just see me as another case – they saw my potential."
The program helped Anthony secure affordable housing in a shared apartment with other students, reducing his housing costs by 40%. This allowed him to reduce his work hours and focus more on his studies and internship opportunities.
"Having stable, affordable housing changed everything. I could finally participate in study groups, attend office hours, and even take on an unpaid internship that led to amazing opportunities."
With stable housing, Anthony's GPA improved from 2.8 to 3.6. He completed a prestigious internship at a tech company and is now on track to graduate with honors. He's also received a job offer from his internship company.
"This program didn't just help me with housing – it helped me achieve my dreams. I'm going to be the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I already have a job lined up. None of this would have been possible without stable housing."