Student Life

Affordable housing resources

Affordable housing for college students is a social justice issue

According to a 2023 survey conducted by The Hope Center, 56% of PCC students faced challenges preventing them from securing a safe, affordable, and consistent place to live in the previous year. The severe housing shortage in the Portland area poses significant obstacles for college students, forcing some to choose between paying for rent or education expenses.

We recognize that the lack of affordable housing stems from biased and oppressive inequities ingrained in our legal, political, and economic systems. These disparities disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

We understand that seeking affordable housing can be a daunting and frustrating task. While we may not single-handedly resolve the housing crisis, we’re committed to offering support to PCC students. Below, you’ll find a list of resources to aid in your search for housing options. If you have questions or would like assistance navigating these resources, please reach out to us at gethelp@pcc.edu.

Student-friendly housing

College Housing Northwest
College Housing Northwest is a non-profit organization that enhances student success by creating supportive housing communities, providing programs and services, and reducing the financial burden for students. They offer affordable, student-only and pet-friendly apartment communities with locations close to PCC campuses.

Koz Development
Kōz provides affordable living in highly sought after urban neighborhoods and near college campuses. Koz offers a standard $400 security deposit, a flat rate utility fee, and flexibility for students with no previous rental history. Check their website for possible move-in specials!

Affordable housing programs

Most of these agencies provide both subsidized and unsubsidized options.

Rent assistance

Temporary shelters

Intimate partner violence

Support for survivors of intimate partner, dating, and sexual violence, harassment, or stalking: connect with a PCC Confidential Advocate.

Queer student support

Support for students who identify as LGBTQIA2S+: Bravespace housing support list.

Culturally-specific support

Support for students from immigrant and refugee communities: IRCO.

About subsidized housing

Unsubsidized housing means that you pay the full amount of rent, but rents are below market rate. You can apply anytime a unit becomes available and there are no special eligibility requirements. Waitlists for these properties are shorter than subsidized housing properties, and for some properties there is immediate availability.

Subsidized housing means that a portion of the rent is paid by a government program. Applicants must meet income eligibility limits and sometimes there are additional requirements for students. You will probably have to apply for each property separately, and this takes some time. Most properties have long (1-2 years or more) waitlists, but a Coordinated Housing Access Team can help expedite the process.

Get help applying for subsidized housing

Connect with a Coordinated Housing Access Team (CHAT) to simplify the process of finding subsidized housing.

  • Adults: CHAT Hotline at 844-765-9384 or housing pre-screening form
  • Culturally-specific assessments: BIPOC Hotline at 503-280-2600 x654 or housingreferrals@ulpdx.org
  • Veterans: Veteran Services Hotline at 855-425-5544
  • Families: call or visit 211
  • Domestic violence survivors: Call to Safety at 503-235-5333 or for Spanish, Project UNICA at 503-232-4448
  • Unaccompanied youth (under 25): Janus Youth Access Center at 635 SW Alder St or 503-432-3986
  • Drop-in: see in-person drop-in locations and hours

General apartment search tips

Tips for PCC students looking for an apartment.

Cost of an apartment
  • According to rent.com, the average rent for apartments in Portland is between $1,262 and $1,860 in 2024.
  • Many students choose to have roommates, so they are not paying for an apartment on their own.
  • It is strongly recommended that you carefully read and understand housing agreements before you sign or make any formal commitment.
  • You will most likely need to put down a deposit on your new housing, usually of one month or six weeks’ rent, which will be returned to you when you move out, if the property remains in the same condition as when you began your lease.
  • The cost of utilities (energy costs, internet, water, cable) will usually be extra in private accommodation so you must bear that in mind when comparing costs.
  • Watch out for additional fees, for example: for the use of parking spaces, laundry facilities, or concierge services at some apartment complexes.
  • Some apartment complexes include amenities such as a washer and dryer, pools or gyms, which can help to save time and money.
How to find an apartment

Some PCC students tell us they have used these websites to find apartment listings:

Warning: dont give out personal or financial information online. Arrange meetups with safety in mind; either bring someone with you or meet in a public area. Trust your instincts.

Many students say they had more luck finding an apartment by connecting with the landlord or property management company directly, instead of going through a website with a big collection of listings. If you find an apartment building that you like, you can research which landlord or property management company owns that building. If you go directly to their website or use their contact information, you have a chance to hear about new units that will be available soon, before they are listed on the websites above.