Innovative Housing That Empowers Students to Rise Above
The Lotus Living: Rise Above Resilient Community is a one-of-a-kind student housing initiative
that provides a supportive and stable environment for 丝瓜视频 students
facing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Launched in May 2021, the community was created through a partnership between the
丝瓜视频 Foundation, 丝瓜视频, and the City of El Centro.
This visionary project includes 26 tiny homes and 12 RV housing units, designed to
provide temporary, safe, and affordable housing while empowering students to achieve
long-term success.
Lotus Living represents IVC鈥檚 deep commitment to addressing housing insecurity through
preventive, sustainable, and equity-driven solutions. It is the first college-led
tiny home community of its kind in the United States, and it continues to serve as
a national model for student housing innovation.
Life at Lotus Living
Life at the Lotus Living Tiny Home Community is centered on personal growth, accountability, and community engagement.
Students who live here are encouraged to develop independence and responsibility while
receiving the support and resources needed to thrive academically.
Residents are required to:
- Stay current on rent payments.
- Attend monthly educational and personal development workshops.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each month through IVC鈥檚 Basic Needs program.
- Maintain enrollment in at least 12 units at 丝瓜视频.
This structure ensures that residents stay connected, engaged, and motivated as they
work toward completing their educational goals.
A Hand Up, Not a Handout
The Lotus Living Community is built on the belief that every student deserves the
chance to rise above life鈥檚 challenges.
Rather than providing a temporary fix, the program offers a hand up by helping students build the confidence, skills, and resources they need to reach
stability and success.
Each resident receives direct support through IVC鈥檚 Basic Needs Center, which connects
them with food assistance, counseling, transportation resources, and other essential
services to promote academic and personal well-being.
This approach reflects IVC鈥檚 mission to create equitable access to education and opportunity, ensuring that all students can focus on learning without the burden of housing insecurity.
Eligibility and Application
The Lotus Living Tiny Home Community serves currently enrolled IVC students who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
To be considered for housing, students must complete the IVC Student Housing Screening Form.
After submission, a member of the housing team will review eligibility and contact
the student with next steps.
Community Impact
The success of Lotus Living demonstrates the power of collaboration between education,
local government, and community organizations.
Since opening, the program has helped transform the lives of students by removing
housing barriers and providing access to stability and hope.
This innovative housing model continues to strengthen the connection between student success and community well-being, serving as a foundation for long-term regional growth and educational equity in
Imperial County.
Student Housing Standards
Residents of the Lotus Living Community are part of the broader IVC Student Housing Program and are expected to follow all college housing policies outlined in the Student Housing License Agreement.
These guidelines are in place to create a respectful, safe, and supportive living
environment for all residents.
Students are responsible for working together to maintain a community that promotes
academic achievement, personal development, and social responsibility.
Contact the IVC Housing Team
For more information about the Lotus Living Tiny Home Community or to determine eligibility,
contact the IVC Housing team:
Program Staff
- Elizabeth Sanchez-Reyna 鈥� Interim Director of Basic Needs and Student Housing
- Guadalupe Ruby 鈥� Program Specialist
- Susie Luna 鈥� Administrative Assistant I
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Building Resilience. Creating Opportunity. Changing Lives.
The Lotus Living Tiny Home Community reflects 丝瓜视频鈥檚 unwavering
commitment to students and the community it serves.
By offering stable housing, wraparound support, and a nurturing environment, IVC empowers
students to overcome challenges and focus on what truly matters 鈥� achieving their
educational and personal goals.
Policies, Conduct and Support
Standards of Student Conduct
