Supporting homeless students through a pandemic: COVID relief funds expand the impact of Project Hope

GEAR UP Virginia recently partnered with Project HOPE Virginia and ECMC to pilot a 6-month professional development series to support college students experiencing homelessness in Virginia higher education institutions. College professionals in institutions with a high number of GEAR UP students were invited to receive training as Single Points Of Contact (SPOCs). The initial cohort, which included college admissions and student service professionals, attended monthly meetings with state-wide experts and recent college students that covered crucial information, including housing, basic needs and social and emotional support. GEAR UP Virginia will continue to work with Project Hope Virginia to provide support for the SPOCs and begin a new cohort of professionals in winter 2022. Learn more here.