W.Va. State University’s transitional living program celebrates 10 years

W.Va. State University’s transitional living program celebrates 10 years

INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State University continues to prove that “HOUSE” is more than just a home with its transitional living facility program, Helping Our Undergraduates Succeed in Education (HOUSE). The program will celebrate its 10-year anniversary at the facility, located on the WVSU campus, on Friday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.           

“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate the successes our participants have had over the past 10 years and look forward to continuing our mission as the new school year begins,” says Kim Hutton, extension specialist with WVSU Extension Service.           

The HOUSE Program consists of two components: a transitional living facility and a row of apartment units. The facility is a co-ed dormitory style building that can house up to eight students, as well as a resident assistant. A full-time program coordinator is also housed onsite. The program targets first-time students who have faced challenges in their lives but are interested in obtaining a college degree. Participants can live in the facility during their first two years at WVSU before transitioning into the campus residence halls or their own apartment.           

The apartment units specifically target formerly homeless or battered and abused women interested in seeking a college degree. Those participants are eligible to live in their assigned apartment through the duration of their academic careers.            

Participants in both components of the HOUSE Program receive life skills instruction, access to help preparing for college enrollment, and take part in activities offered through other WVSU Extension Service programs such as financial literacy workshops and management of a raised-bed garden space.           

Launched in 2002, the HOUSE Program has continuously remained at or near full capacity and is a unique venture both at local and national levels. “Our research has found,” says Hutton, “there is no other program quite like HOUSE on college campuses nationwide.”           

The anniversary celebration will provide visitors the chance to tour the facilities and talk with program administrators and participants. Food, giveaways and a prize drawing are planned.            

The HOUSE Program is located at 303 Douglas Street in Institute, behind the Drain-Jordan Library on the WVSU campus