Hartnell College administration and students divided on homeless student parking lot bill

Hartnell College administration is clear in their opposition to a California bill surrounding housing for homeless college students. The bill would require California community colleges to have a safe overnight parking area open for homeless students.

Hartnell College Superintendent and President Willard Lewallen sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee leadership in late June saying the proposal quote “does nothing to solve the basic needs challenges our students face nor does it provide for their safety.”

As AB 302 makes it’s way through the state capital in Sacramento, the Community College League of California estimates the cost of security, liability insurance, restrooms, student verification and other expenses would total nearly 69 million dollars a year.

However, there is a need. Based on a 2018 survery of Hartnell students, 5 percent said they have lived in a shelter and 29 percent worry about having stable housing.

Several students told KION more needs to be done to help their homeless population and all support the parking lot bill.

They said it would greatly benefit students who have no where else to go, especially with high cost of living in Monterey county.

“Rent is very high these days,” Hartnell College student Josie Cruz said. “They don’t have somewhere to stay so if the parking lot is open to students, it would be a great cause for them. “

Colleges that offer homeless students alternate housing vouchers to secure housing or stay in hotels would be exempt under the bill.

Superintendent Lewallen recommends the bill’s mandates instead be optional for colleges and come with extra funding for schools that decide to create these designated overnight parking areas.