Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

College wants to gauge impact of affordability issues on its students

Photos and story by James Hill

According to a survey of more than 4,000 undergraduates at 10 community colleges across the country, half of all community college students are struggling with food, or housing insecurity.

At Portland Community College, students face similar challenges. PCC is doing something about it, but needs the help of its students first. Starting Monday, Jan. 30, the college starts a short survey for them to complete that will help the it gauge the impact of these issues.

Any student can visit the survey’s web page and complete the questions. Deadline is March 1. Participants can be included in an optional prize drawing to win gift cards and cafeteria vouchers.

Take the Survey: www.pcc.edu/housingfood-survey

“Housing and food insecurity are conditions that affect community college students and their ability to succeed nationwide,” said Southeast Campus President Jessica Howard. “At PCC, addressing these student barriers constitutes an urgent priority. This survey will provide the college with a foundation of knowledge to understand the issue locally and what steps can be taken to address these critical student needs.”

There’s no better time to try to combat this problem, Howard said. Given the Portland Metro region’s dramatic escalation in housing and rent costs, college leaders are concerned students may be even more affected by these issues here at PCC.

“This is an issue that we are approaching with an intersectional lens and we strive to be as mindful of all the potential impacts as we seek to understand the issues involved here at PCC,” said Chief Diversity Officer Kim Baker-Flowers.

PCC has been ramping its efforts to build awareness on the issues of housing and food insecurities. Last term, the college hosted noted author and sociology professor Sara Goldrick-Rab, who discussed these issues and more at forums around the district.