Jakob Conry is the type of college student who always takes a seat at the front of the class.

He’s eager to answer professors’ questions and lead discussions, especially during courses for his political science degree at San Jose City College.

But when Conry returns to the crowded homeless shelter where he’s stayed on and off for the past year, he often struggles to focus on his studies. Some residents at the 230-person group shelter use drugs or spiral into chaotic mental health breakdowns. Paramedics and firefighters are frequently called to the site.

“Honestly, it drains me of my energy,” the 23-year-old said.

Conry is one of the many thousands of community college students across California without a permanent home. According to a 2023 survey by the state’s community college system

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