Selkirk College reached out to the community this week for help finding housing for students. Between the Castlegar and Nelson Campuses there are approximately 2000 students enrolled for in person programs.
In recent weeks, students have been dropping their courses for the fall semester due to being unable to find affordable places to live. The college says it is unknown how many students have dropped their programs because of the lack of housing or how many need housing, but it is a concern.
Both the Castlegar and the Silver King campus in Nelson are undergoing construction to add a total of 150 additional units, though they won’t be ready until 2024. The school also offers a home-stay program.
Allison Alder, a dean at Selkirk College, says “students are hardworking, good in our homes [and], good in our community. Hopefully people will be interested in getting to know some students better and providing some housing.”
Since reaching out to the community earlier this week, the college says they have received several emails from members of the community willing to open their homes to students. To learn more, contact info@selkirk.ca.