Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative

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Homelessness at PSU

Overview

HRAC has conducted two studies of basic needs insecurity in the Portland State University community. A 2019 survey with followup interviews was the first in the nation at a university to survey both students and employees. This survey focused on housing insecurity, food insecurity, and homelessness. A 2023 student survey focused on housing insecurity, homelessness, and housing barriers and facilitators. 

 

2023 Findings:

  • 54.7% of student respondents experienced housing insecurity in the 12 months prior to completing the survey
  • 19.1% of student respondents experienced homelessness in the 12 months prior to completing the survey
  • 53.9% of student respondents experienced food insecurity in the 30 days prior to completing the survey
  • Rates of housing insecurity and homelessness were higher among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, students formerly in foster care, first generation students, immigrant students, and students from other marginalized groups.

 

General Info

Researchers:

Status:

Complete

Funding:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

2024 Report Downloads

2020 Report Downloads

PSU Student Homelessness

% of students experiencing homelessness by race

Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative's PSU Housing and Food Insecurity Report

19%

of study body

23%

of Native American Students

21%

of Black students

14%

of Hispanic/Latino/a/x student

27%

of Multiracial students
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Where to find help

If you or someone you know is experiencing hunger or homelessness, please use this list of resources to help. Please let us know if there are any additional resources to include.

(Created March 18, 2020. Last updated Sept. 18 2020).

Find Help
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What can I do?

Student emergency funds can help vulnerable students stay in school and reach their goals. Students in need can find out more at pdx.edu/dean-student-life/emergency-funds. Those who are able to donate to the emergency fund, can select a specific fund or a general one. Scroll to select your desired fund.

Support the Emergency Fund

Student stories of homelessness

Portland State University students share their experiences of homelessness in order to help others and bring attention to student homelessness. About 16% of students experienced homelessness in the last year, according to the PSU Report, and 44.6% experienced housing insecurity. 

 

Student stories
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Student Homelessness across the country

The Hope Center's #RealCollege survey has reached more than 330,000 students at more than 400 colleges and universities over the last five years. Check out The Hope Center's national report to understand this crisis and how to address it on your campus. Thank you Hope Center for starting this movement.

The Hope Center Reports