NAEHCY Research
Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness in Higher Education
A National Look at Single-Point-of-Contact (SPOC) Programs — Research by Dr. Stacey A. Havlik, Ph.D., Villanova University
118 Survey Respondents 34 States 8 In-Depth InterviewsWhat Is a Single-Point-of-Contact (SPOC)?
Single-Point-of-Contact (SPOC) Programs are designated safe and supportive college offices and/or staff members committed to helping students experiencing homelessness successfully navigate college admissions, enrollment, and persistence by providing supportive services and connections to on- and off-campus resources.
Who Are SPOCs?
Most SPOC professionals wear many hats — serving in multiple roles across their institutions. This chart shows how respondents described their primary responsibilities. Understanding these overlapping roles is essential for building effective support structures on campus.
SPOC Roles Across Campuses
Number of respondents identifying with each role (most serve multiple roles)
How Well Are Universities Meeting Student Needs?
SPOCs were asked to rate how well their university meets students’ food and housing needs on a scale of 1 (Not True at All) to 4 (Very True). The results reveal a significant gap, particularly in housing support — a finding that should inform institutional priorities and resource allocation.
University Performance: Food vs. Housing Support
Average rating on a 1–4 scale (higher = better)
How Are Students Identified?
Understanding how students experiencing homelessness come to the attention of campus support systems is critical. Overwhelmingly, identification depends on students themselves coming forward — a method that can leave many invisible, especially those who feel stigma or don’t know help is available.
Methods Used to Identify Students in Need
Number of institutions using each identification method
Services Provided to Students
What resources do campuses actually offer students experiencing food and housing insecurity? While food pantries and counseling are widespread, the services students often need most — like transitional housing — remain scarce.
Top 3 Services Offered
Number of campuses providing each service
Least Common Services
Number of campuses providing each service
How Support Differs by Campus Type
Not all institutions approach student support the same way. The type of institution — public vs. private, 2-year vs. 4-year — shapes what resources are available. Understanding these differences helps advocates tailor their approach and identify models worth replicating.
Private & 4-Year Universities
- More likely to offer year-round housing options
- Residential infrastructure provides continuity for students during breaks and transitions
Public Universities
- More likely to provide advising or coaching specific to food & housing insecurity
- Often have stronger ties to community-based resources and social service networks
4-Year Universities
- More likely to offer Swipe Out Hunger meal-sharing programs
- Dining infrastructure supports peer-to-peer meal donation models
SPOC Confidence & the Training Gap
How confident do SPOCs feel in their ability to support students? And does training make a difference? The data reveals a critical gap: nearly half of all SPOCs received no formal training — yet training is directly linked to higher confidence and better outcomes.
Confidence Levels: Food vs. Housing Support
Average self-reported confidence on a 1–4 scale
Key Challenges Identified in Interviews
In-depth interviews with 8 SPOC professionals revealed recurring structural and systemic barriers. These voices from the field provide essential context for understanding why even well-intentioned institutions struggle to meet students’ basic needs.
Funding Dependency
Universities rely heavily on external and grant funding to address basic needs — creating instability when funding cycles end or priorities shift.
Structural Disconnect
A gap exists between administrators who set policy and frontline staff who deliver services — leading to misaligned priorities and inefficient resource use.
Housing Complexity
No institution interviewed had a clear, effective answer for addressing housing insecurity. It remains the most complex and under-resourced challenge.
Food: Easier but Incomplete
Food pantries are the most common solution, but they don’t address the full scope of food insecurity — including nutrition quality, consistency, and access during breaks.
Key Takeaways & Calls to Action
This research points to clear, actionable steps that institutions, policymakers, and advocates can take to better support students experiencing homelessness in higher education.
Prioritize Housing Solutions
Housing insecurity is the greatest challenge and lowest-rated area of support. Institutions need dedicated housing strategies, partnerships with community providers, and year-round options.
Invest in SPOC Training
With 46.6% of SPOCs untrained, there is an urgent need for standardized, accessible training programs. NAEHCY’s resources and professional development offerings are essential tools.
Move Beyond Self-Identification
Proactive outreach, faculty training, and formal referral systems are needed to ensure students who need support are connected to it — not just those who ask.
Build Comprehensive Support
Food pantries are a starting point, not an endpoint. Campuses must develop wraparound services that address food, housing, mental health, and academic support holistically.
Retain & Develop SPOC Staff
Experience builds confidence and effectiveness. Institutions should invest in retaining experienced SPOCs through competitive compensation, professional development, and clear career pathways.
Download the Full Research Brief
Want to dive deeper into the data, methodology, and complete findings? Download the full research brief by Dr. Stacey A. Havlik, Ph.D., including detailed survey results, interview themes, and references for further reading.
This resource is ideal for campus administrators, McKinney-Vento liaisons, postsecondary committee members, and anyone working to strengthen support for students experiencing homelessness in higher education.
Download Research Brief (PDF)PDF • No sign-up required