Finding affordable furniture and housing as a college student can often feel like an overwhelming, expensive challenge. With limited budgets and tight living spaces, students run into many new and confusing obstacles when navigating housing after moving out of their family homes. College is a time of growth and exploration, and it is important that students kick off their undergraduate experience in an environment where they can thrive.
Transitioning from dormitories to off-campus apartments and residential neighborhoods can be an intimidating step in a student’s college journey. Students don’t have to take this step alone. There are many resources dedicated to helping students take this step towards adulthood. However, creating a positive environment is not as simple as finding a property in a desirable location or with reasonable rent; A positive living environment is sustainable, comfortable and feels like home. If you’re in the process of making your own slice of home, don’t worry–there are resources for that too! Here are a few nonprofit organizations that can make the housing market seem less daunting and help you turn your house into a home.
For many, finding a place to live can be a stressful and expensive process. Rent in college towns can be high, and securing affordable housing can feel nearly impossible, especially for students with limited financial resources. If you’re a student with sixteen over-budget Zillow listings bookmarked and no idea what to do next, you might want to look into the Street Homeless Advocacy Project/Student Housing Assistance Program, or SHAP. SHAP’s goal is to help students find affordable housing near their college campuses. The organization works directly with students to ensure they find financially realistic housing that doesn’t require them to sacrifice proximity to campus. Research your local SHAP organization to find out how they serve your community. Oregon residents visit this website to see how SHAP helps in-state residents: https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/for-providers/pages/homeless-services-programs.aspx
Another organization committed to improve the learning and living conditions of college kids is a program called Believe In Students. This organization focuses on providing assistance to college students who need support in meeting basic living expenses, including housing. Their mission is to ensure students can afford stable housing, so that they can focus on succeeding in school without the pressure of financial instability. Check out their website and see how Believe In Students can help: https://believeinstudents.org/about/
In particular, Gen Z students are rejecting overconsumption and embracing sustainable lifestyle choices. However, these values can be hard to implement when navigating a housing market dominated by expensive and unsustainable options. Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Is a nonprofit that recognizes the importance of accessibility and sustainability. Habitat for Humanity operates ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials at affordable prices. ReStores not only offers environmentally freindly furniture solutions, but uses their proceeds to fund their greater mission of building affordable housing. Visit their site and see how Habitat for Humanity ReStores contributes to environmental conservation and supports communities in need: https://www.habitat.org/restores
Utlilizing resources like SHAP, Believe In Students, and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores can help you create a functional, comfortable, and eco-friendly living space to give you the support you deserve while earning your degree. Whether you are still looking for a place to live or beginning to build a home, remember that there are resources within reach. With determination and the right support, you can create a stable, sustainable environment to help you thrive.
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