Student Housing and Retention Program (SHoRe)
SHoRe is a program that supports students who are experiencing homelessness, who have just recently become housed, or those who are unstably housed or at-risk of homelessness. SHoRe is dedicated to support Highline College students who are experiencing financial difficulties/hardships and/or were in foster care at the time of graduation from high school. The program provides on and off campus accommodations, resources for housing support, employment/job search resource information and connects students with housing providers when appropriate. Additional case management, intervention and retention services as well as access to funds, navigate emergency housing, and other supports as needed including but not limited to, ORCA LIFT cards, EBT/food stamps, health insurance, utility bill assistance, tax preparation, legal counsel, signing up for Apple Health and mental health & wellness referrals.
You can access accommodations such as school supplies, personal hygiene kit, food gift cards, etc through SHoRe though there is no guarantee.
While In-School Housing Program (WISH)
WISH is a housing program for Highline College students experiencing homelessness made possible through a partnership between the King County Housing Authority and Highline College with support from the United Way King County and the Highline College Foundation.
Qualified students will receive a time-limited (for a maximum of 54 months) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) from King County Housing Authority (KCHA). Students who are enrolled in WISH can select any apartment or home that accepts Section-8 vouchers as a method of payment throughout the KCHA jurisdiction. Once WISH Program students graduate, their vouchers will continue to be active for an additional 6 months. At that time, they can either take over full payments of their unit or begin a new lease elsewhere.
All students who believe they may be eligible and benefit from the SHoRe/WISH program are encouraged to submit a screening form found here: SHoRe/WISH Screening Form. Once submitted, please allow up to 3 business days and Saido will contact you directly. You must use your Highline College Gmail account to access the form.
All are welcomed to contact Saido Alinur with any further questions via email salinur@highline.edu or by phone 206-592-4416
Who is Eligible for the WISH Program?
You are eligible if:
- You’re currently experiencing homeless (staying in a shelter, vehicle, needing to move due to domestic violence, unsheltered, staying with friends/family “couch surfing” etc.)
- Has a household income at or below 80% of AMI, based on household size. For current income limits, see King County Housing Authority Eligibility
- Is currently enrolled in at least six credits at Highline College in credit-bearing classes, in pursuit of a degree or certificate program (GED/ESL/Int’l Students currently not eligible)
- Make satisfactory academic progress or complete an academic success plan with advisor;
- You’re registered a minimum of part-time (6 credits) initially with the intention to move to full time enrollment in pursuit of a degree or certification program at Highline
- You’re in good academic standing with Highline College and Financial Aid
- You’ve attended a WISH Information Session or meet with a Highline WISH advisor
- Allows KCHA and Highline College to share information regarding Section 8 eligibility and WISH eligibility for the purposes of program eligibility.
Application Period
If you’d like to submit an application, please reach out to us at: salinur@highline.edu
Application
You should hear from the SHoRe/WISH advisor within two (2) business days.
Questions?
If you have question about the WISH Program, please contact Saido Alinur / (206) 592-4416.
Local Public Housing Assistance:
Need help paying your rent or mortgage?
- Pierce County Rental Assistance
- King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program
- Our United Way Benefits Hub Coaches can help Highline students access special funds for late rent, mortgage, or move-in costs. Schedule an appointment with our Benefits Hub Team to explore a variety of resources!
- You can also access more information and resources through Canvas: