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 basicneeds@pcc.edu.
Student-friendly housing
College Housing Northwest
CHNW is a nonprofit organization focused on student success offering affordable apartments in student-centered communities. We work to minimize barriers to renting with just a $500 deposit, and no income verification or rental history requirement. Students must be enrolled at least ? time and can live with dependents and significant others at locations convenient to PCC and PSU. Utilities and WiFi are included at some locations.
The Village and The Outpost?
Portland owned and operated coliving communities close to Cascade Campus that are supportive to student life, affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability. High-speed internet, AC, and utilities are included in the rent.
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Affordable living options in urban neighborhoods near college campuses that offer low security deposits, flat rate utility fees, and flexibility for students with no previous rental history.
Affordable housing programs
Most of these agencies provide both subsidized and unsubsidized options.
Rent assistance
Temporary shelters
- Call or visit 211
- Call 311 and request to speak with an outreach worker
- Clark County: housing hotline
- Multnomah County: shelters
- Multnomah County: shelter and homeless services
- Washington County: emergency shelters
- Youth shelters (18-24): Janus, Outside In, and New Avenues for Youth
- Shelters for survivors of dating, intimate partner, sexual violence: Call to Safety
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+: Oregon Gender-Affirming Resource Guide housing 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:
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.