Benedictine University (BenU) has been awarded $188,683 from the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s (IBHE) FY2026 Ending Student Housing Insecurity (ESHI) Program to launch a comprehensive initiative that expands housing, food, and transportation support for students in need.
The project, titled “Bridging the Gap: Ending Student Housing Insecurity at Benedictine University and Beyond,” aims to remove critical barriers to student success by providing emergency housing grants, year-round housing options during academic breaks, food and transportation vouchers, and personalized benefits navigation for students experiencing housing instability.
In partnership with the College of DuPage (COD), the initiative will extend its impact throughout DuPage County, supporting not only BenU students but also COD students who make up the University’s largest transfer population. Through this collaboration, eligible students from both campuses will have access to emergency and break housing, financial assistance, and workshops on housing rights and public benefit programs.
“This grant allows us to strengthen the safety net that keeps our students enrolled, engaged, and thriving,” said Marco Masini, Dean of Students and Benedictine University’s certified HOUSE Liaison. Mr. Masini will serve as Principal Investigator on the grant. “Our partnership with the College of DuPage ensures that the reach of this program extends well beyond our own campus.”
The initiative directly supports IBHE’s “A Thriving Illinois” strategic plan, advancing equity, retention, and degree completion for first-generation, low-income, and housing-insecure students. Funds will support emergency housing grants for students, staff support for benefits navigation, and basic-needs education for more than 100 students across both campuses.
“This award reflects Benedictine University’s mission to create a welcoming, inclusive learning environment rooted in compassion and community,” said Timothy W. Marin, PhD, ’96, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Authorized Representative for the grant. “We are grateful to IBHE for recognizing the importance of meeting students’ most basic needs so that they can focus on learning and personal growth.”
The program will begin in Fall 2025 with full implementation and data reporting through June 2026.
