As students at East Stroudsburg University in northeastern Pennsylvania return to campus for the spring semester, some of their classmates are already on campus.
Those students are taking part in a pilot program that benefits them and the university.
“Being able to know I have a warm bed to go home to is... I mean, it’s what we consider essential and some students don’t really have that,” senior Rachel Williams told WBRE.
Though residence halls are closed, East Stroudsburg University's new Housing-Work Exchange Program gives students who may not have a place to stay during academic breaks, a chance to stay on campus.
It was brought to the university’s attention some people were actually sleeping in their cars over break and had no place to go.
"So being able to provide that over winter breaks and over spring breaks and over Thanksgiving... I think it just gives them that sense of security," said Williams.
"What we wanted to do is try to address some of the insecurity in a way that helps students who don't have the financial means to be able to reside on campus," said Curtis Dugar, the director of Residence and Dining Services.
The work exchange part of the pilot program allows students to work on campus four hours for each day they stay.
Those hours are completed by the end of the academic year.
Students in need will serve the college community by managing study halls or collecting recycling.
“[It’s] going to be helpful for not only personal growth, but scholastic achievement. Those service hours will be coming in handy,” said Dugar.
Students are able to stay in traditional halls or suite-style residences to help fulfill an educational goal in a time of need.