Clayton State student evicted from university housing, seeking help

MORROW, Ga. — A Clayton State University student is trying to figure out her next steps after the school evicted her from student housing following nonpayment for her room and board. 

Tajahnay Hollins is heading into the summer before her senior year with more questions than answers. The Clayton State University student said she got an eviction notice from the school on Tuesday after not paying for student housing at Laker Village. 

“They told me to be out by Friday,” Hollins said. “I have nowhere to vacate, no one to help me move my stuff. It’s really left me feeling a little discouraged with even finishing school because it’s been such a hassle to get to the finish line. Now, it’s just me trying to figure out a game plan.” 

Hollins said her road through school has hit a few bumps. She said she doesn’t get financial help from her family, and her financial aid will not help her pay for housing, leaving her to foot the costs. Hollins said she recently got two remote jobs, the same week she received the eviction notice, to try and help pay her way through school. 

“I’m having to try and wake up every day, trying to push yourself to get out of bed, even though you don’t want to, because you don’t know what you’re going to be faced with, how are you going to eat today?” Hollins said. “You’re wondering if anyone cares about what you have going on. My housing is my home, so you take that away, I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next day or the next day.”

Paying for student housing only speaks to the rising costs for those trying to afford college in Georgia. Ashley Young, a senior education policy analyst at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, said while public colleges in the Peach State have one of the lowest tuition rates nationwide, that doesn’t account for room, board and other costs.

“There’s a lot of housing insecurity because our financial aid programs don’t cover the full cost of attendance,” Young said. “College affordability can be a bit complex, and I think when students are just focused on tuition and fees, college may seem affordable to students. But when we look at the sticker price for actual cost of attendance, we see college is a lot higher in many cases.”

Young suggested that students in similar financial situations take advantage of any financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and housing funding sources offered through their schools, educational organizations, nonprofits and other entities. She said she was watching Congressional budget talks, as the popular Pell Grant could face potential cuts. Young advocated for more comprehensive need-based scholarships as opposed to solely merit-based scholarships like HOPE. 

“Unforeseen circumstances happen to students,” Young said. “Students, many of whom have been marginalized, have been historically excluded from building wealth. So what do we do in that regard?”

In March, Clayton State implemented a policy requiring students to pay for summer housing, even if they were not planning to stay on campus during the summer. But some exceptions were given to students struggling financially.

Clayton State sent a statement to 11Alive in response to our inquiry about Hollins’s case:

“Clayton State University and the Office of Residence Life are deeply committed to supporting our students both academically and personally. We recognize that financial hardship can be a significant barrier, and we work closely with students to connect them with resources such as financial counseling, local emergency aid, and other support services as needed. However, in some situations, students may face unresolved financial obligations that affect their enrollment and eligibility for campus services, including University housing. 

While we cannot discuss individual student circumstances, we make every effort to work closely with students to explore all available options for assistance. We remain dedicated to helping every student navigate these challenges and continue to evaluate our processes to ensure they are compassionate and fair while complying with student success policies and procedures.”

Hollins said Clayton State referred her to a local shelter, but she wants an extension, a payment plan or anything that she said could give her more hope during a summer of uncertainty. 

“No matter what is thrown at you, keep going,” Hollins said. “No matter what answers you receive, keep going. As many no’s as you get, keep going because someone is going to say yes. Someone is going to care. I just pray. I stay grounded in my faith, and I give glory to God for bringing me to another day, even though things aren’t going according to what I see fit.”