Housing Assistance

Housing Assistance

Santa Fe College offers Housing Assistance to currently enrolled students experiencing unexpected housing emergencies after the semester begins. Through funding provided by a federal Basic Needs Grant, eligible students may receive either short-term emergency lodging through the Care Stay Program or Security Deposit Assistance to help secure permanent housing.

To apply for Housing Assistance, click the Student Application button below. Be prepared to upload all required documentation and include a personal narrative describing your housing situation and need for assistance.

Care Stay Program

What Is It?

The Care Stay Program provides short-term emergency lodging for eligible Santa Fe College students experiencing an immediate housing crisis.
Students may receive up to 72 hours of hotel lodging in Alachua or Bradford County while working toward a more stable housing solution.

Lodging costs are paid directly to the hotel selected by the student, provided the hotel agrees to accept third-party billing from Santa Fe College.

This Program May Be Right For You If:

• You are currently homeless.
• You do not have a safe place to stay tonight.
• You recently lost housing unexpectedly.
• You are temporarily staying with friends, family, or in another unstable living situation.
• You need immediate short-term housing while securing permanent housing.

What Happens Next?

After submitting an application:

• Saints Care Center reviews your application.
• Staff may request additional documentation.
• Eligibility is determined.
• If approved, staff will coordinate hotel arrangements.
• Students check into approved lodging and work toward securing stable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Care Stay Program?
  • The Care Stay Program provides up to 72 hours (3 nights) of temporary hotel lodging for currently enrolled students who have become unhoused due to unforeseen emergencies such as eviction, domestic violence, or sudden loss of income.
• Who is eligible for the Care Stay Program?
  • Eligible students can demonstrate they:
    • Are currently Enrolled
    • Are experiencing a housing emergency in Alachua/Bradford County
    • Are not using the homeless exemption
    • Have all Tuition & Fees for the current semester paid.
    • Have  no outstanding obligations to the college
    • Have unexpectedly become unhoused after the semester began
    • Have a plan to transition into permanent or transition housing
    • Have met with a staff member in the Saints Care Center and/or the Ombuds
    • Have completed the Care Stay application and documentation process
• How do I apply?
  • Students can apply by completing an online application
• Who arranges the lodging?
  • Students are responsible for identifying a hotel that meets their needs and availability. Santa Fe College will work directly with the hotel to arrange payment for the approved stay. Students may choose any hotel willing to accept third-party billing as long as the nightly amount is reasonable.
• What documentation do I need to provide?
  • Evidence of previous residence (lease, mortgage, identification)
  • Evidence that explains the housing loss (eviction notice, police report, loss of income)
  • Evidence of enrollment and financial aid/employment
  • Evidence of a commitment to secure permanent housing within the 3-day time frame
• What is the source of the funds?
  • Santa Fe College received the Basic Needs Grant for Postsecondary Education from the U.S. Department of Education.
• Do I have to pay the money back?
  • No. The Care Stay Program is a temporary emergency housing solution funded by the Basic Needs Grant. Students are not required to repay lodging costs but must commit to transitioning into permanent housing within 72 hours. 

Important Reminder

Do not reserve or pay for a hotel room based on the expectation of receiving assistance.

The Care Stay Program pays hotels directly after eligibility has been confirmed and arrangements have been approved.

Apply

Student Application

Security Deposit Assistance

What Is It?

Security Deposit Assistance helps eligible students secure permanent housing by covering the security deposit required for a new lease in Alachua or Bradford County.

This Program May Be Right For You If:

• You have identified a housing option.
• You can afford monthly rent but need help with the security deposit.
• You are ready to sign a new lease.
• You can provide required documentation and landlord information.

What Happens Next?

After submitting an application:

• Saints Care Center reviews your application.
• Staff may request additional documentation.
• If selected for further consideration, students begin housing and landlord coordination.
• Students identify housing options.
• Students communicate with leasing offices.
• Landlords complete required paperwork.
• The security deposit is paid directly to the landlord if approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Reminder

Do not sign a lease, pay a security deposit, or make housing commitments based on the expectation of receiving assistance. Funding is limited, and approval is not guaranteed.

Before signing a lease or any other legally binding agreement, ensure that the landlord or apartment community is willing to participate in the Security Deposit Assistance Program and has submitted the required Landlord Consent Form and Supplier Packet to Santa Fe College. Failure to do so may delay or prevent payment of assistance.

Apply

Student Application Landlord Consent Form