Trinity Church Wall Street has demonstrated a significant commitment to higher education and social justice by awarding a transformative $2 million grant to the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) Foundation. This substantial donation is specifically designated to provide stable housing for BMCC students experiencing homelessness, addressing a critical barrier to academic success for vulnerable individuals in New York City. The initiative aims to house up to 40 students over a three-year period, offering a secure foundation from which they can pursue their educational goals.
Beyond the initial grant, Trinity Church Wall Street has further extended its generosity by providing additional funds to fully equip the student dormitories. This supplementary support ensures that students will move into welcoming and fully furnished living spaces. Julie Appel, Director of BMCC’s Project Impact, highlighted the comprehensive nature of this assistance: “Trinity Church Wall Street has generously allocated incremental funds to outfit all of the dorm rooms…supplying sheets, blankets and pillows…together with towels, desk lamps, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and conditioner.” This holistic approach ensures students have essential living supplies, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies and personal growth without the immediate worries of basic necessities.
The urgency and importance of this initiative are underscored by the realities faced by many BMCC students. Karen Wilson-Stevenson, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement at BMCC, explained, “Many of our students are housing insecure and live in shelters, couch surf, live in transitional housing or sleep on the subways.” This housing instability creates immense challenges for academic focus and performance. By providing stable housing, Trinity Church Wall Street directly addresses this challenge, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal development.
This housing program is part of a broader network of support for BMCC students. In addition to secure housing, students will have access to food resources through BMCC’s Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC), and benefit from comprehensive academic support, including free tutoring and mentoring programs. This multifaceted support system empowers students to overcome obstacles, complete their degrees efficiently, and progress towards their career aspirations. The partnership between Trinity Church Wall Street and BMCC exemplifies a powerful model for community-based solutions to address student homelessness and promote educational equity within higher education.
