Kan Off The Street Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community college students experiencing housing insecurity. We do this by connecting students to housing-supportive resources, campus services, and community partners, while engaging in advocacy that promotes stability, academic persistence, and successful degree completion.
Our work is grounded in dignity, equity, and the belief that no student should have to choose between housing stability and higher education.
We connect community college students experiencing housing insecurity to housing-supportive resources and services that promote stability, persistence in education, and successful goal completion.
ABOUT US
Welcome to KAN OFF THE STREET INC
KAN OFF THE STREET INC. (KAN OFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, focused on addressing housing insecurity among community college students.
Our mission is to ensure that no community college student is forced to sleep in their car, couch surf, or experience housing instability while pursuing an education. We do this by connecting students to housing-supportive resources, campus services, and community partners, and by advancing advocacy and awareness around student housing insecurity.
KAN OFF THE STREET INC. does not currently provide direct housing or operate residential facilities. Instead, our work centers on resource navigation, referrals, partnerships, and campus-based engagement that help students understand their options and move toward stability.
- Helping the unhoused find stable housing should be seen as a shared responsibility, not a burden.
Our Message
Homeless persons are not tourist attraction, neither are they subjects for statistical analysis As a civilized society, our responsibility is to ensure that access to food, cloths and shelter are guaranteed to all persons without regards to race, ethnicity, gender, social status, mental or physical abilities. KAN OFF THE STREET inc. is on mission to ensure that all persons on the STREETS in Los Angeles, and beyond have access to safe, and descent living spaces.
Can you believe that last night 66,000 Angelenos slept on the streets?
OUR VISION
We envision a future where housing insecurity is no longer a barrier to educational success for community college students. Our long-term goal is to build the capacity to provide direct housing and comprehensive wraparound services, ensuring lasting stability, dignity, and opportunity for students in need.
OUR MISSION
Kan Off the Street Inc. exists to ensure that no community college student is forced to sleep in their car, couch surf, or experience housing insecurity while pursuing an education. We achieve this by connecting students to housing-supportive resources, campus services, and community partners, and by advancing advocacy and awareness around student housing instability.
Students Supported Through Housing Navigation
Volunteers Supporting Students
OUR PROGRAMS
Community College Housing Support
Our Programs
Supporting Community College Students Through Housing Stability Navigation
At Kan Off the Street Inc., our work centers on community college students experiencing housing insecurity. While housing instability affects many students, some groups face additional, intersecting barriers that make navigating housing systems even more challenging.
Our programs are delivered primarily through campus-based workshops, resource fairs, and partnerships that bring trusted service providers directly to students—both on and off campus. We focus on education, navigation, referrals, and advocacy, not direct housing provision.
Below are the student groups we intentionally support and how our work addresses their needs.
International Community College Students
Housing Challenges
International students often face housing instability due to limited local networks, visa-related restrictions, financial challenges, and unfamiliarity with U.S. housing systems.
How Our Workshops Help
We provide guidance on navigating local housing markets, connect students to campus international offices and community partners, and facilitate peer and cultural orientation support that helps students stabilize their living situations.
Future Goal
To expand culturally responsive housing navigation support and partnerships that address the unique needs of international student
General Community College Students
Housing Challenges
Many community college students experience housing instability due to rising rents, limited income, family disruption, or lack of awareness of available support. These challenges often remain invisible, leading students to quietly couch surf, live in cars, or consider dropping out.
How Our Workshops Help
Our workshops provide students with clear information about housing-supportive resources, campus basic needs services, emergency assistance programs, and community partners. We create stigma-free spaces where students can ask questions, learn their options, and connect directly with service providers.
Future Goal
To expand campus-based housing support workshops across more community colleges and strengthen referral pathways that help students remain enrolled and academically focused.
Formerly Incarcerated Community College Students
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Housing Challenges
Students with prior justice involvement often face housing discrimination, limited rental options, and barriers tied to background checks—all while trying to rebuild their lives through education.
How Our Workshops Help
Our workshops connect students to reentry-focused housing resources, legal aid organizations, employment readiness programs, and supportive community partners. We emphasize navigation, rights awareness, and mentorship pathways that support stability during reentry.
Future Goal
To strengthen collaboration with reentry organizations and advocate for housing policies that reduce barriers for justice-impacted students.
Veteran Community College Students
Housing Challenges
Student veterans often face housing instability during the transition from military to civilian life, compounded by mental health needs, employment gaps, and difficulty navigating veteran-specific housing benefits.
How Our Workshops Help
We collaborate with veteran service organizations and campus veteran centers to help students understand available housing assistance, healthcare services, and employment supports. Workshops focus on navigating VA-related resources and community-based veteran housing programs.
Future Goal
To deepen partnerships with veteran-serving organizations and improve coordinated access to housing-supportive services tailored to student veterans.
LGBTQ+ Community College Students
Housing Challenges
LGBTQ+ students experience disproportionately high rates of housing instability, often due to family rejection, discrimination, or lack of affirming housing options.
How Our Workshops Help
Our workshops connect students to LGBTQ-affirming housing resources, mental health services, and community organizations. We focus on creating inclusive spaces where students feel safe seeking support and building community connections.
Future Goal
To strengthen relationships with LGBTQ-serving organizations and promote affirming housing pathways for students.
Past workshop
Hear Gene's story
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