Inside a College Housing Lifeline in the Bronx

Housing insecurity can involve not only sleeping on the street but also feeling safer anywhere other than home. Growing up in a chaotic household in Willis, Texas, Grace Pavlock pursued college as a way out. After earning an associate degree while working full-time, she moved to the Bronx to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Mount Saint Vincent as a first-generation student with little guidance. Once enrolled, she struggled to find stable housing because financial support was limited and student loans did not cover her needs. She described the period as deeply depressing and felt leaving was necessary to grow. She later found Dax House, an all-women residence in a convent offering year-round housing, monthly rent, and wraparound support including case management and a permanent address for accessing social services.

"“It was one of the most depressing times in my life. I felt like I was in a hole I couldn't get out of,” Pavlock said. “I would rather move to another state and not have stable housing than stay in a situation where I felt suffocated. I felt like leaving was the only way I was going to grow.”"

"“Education is the only way I'm going to be able to separate myself from my family and build a different life,” she added. “If I have to be homeless to get an education, that's something I'm going to do.”"

"“A holistic model: That's when Pavlock discovered Dax House, an all-women residence in a convent that offers monthly rent for $250, year-round housing and wraparound support.”"

"“While some colleges provide emergency housing, food pantries and other basic needs services, Dax House—a partnership among the University of Mount Saint Vincent, Depaul USA and the Sisters of Charity—provides students with housing, case management and a permanent address they can use to access social services.”"

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