Austin Community College District (ACC) announces a new partnership with Housing Connector, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to housing. This collaboration aims to connect more ACC students with stable housing.

According to a recent survey from the college, 55% of ACC students indicated they are housing insecure. Additionally, 57% of students would have difficulty getting $500 cash or credit in an emergency.

“Stable housing is essential to our students’ success,” ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart said. “Our mission is simple: help every student succeed. This partnership is about meeting students where they are, removing barriers, and making sure they have the stability and support to keep moving toward their goals.”

Through this collaboration, ACC will integrate Housing Connector’s innovative model, which links students with local property owners who are willing to offer accessible and affordable housing options, streamlining the search process for those facing housing insecurity.

“Housing insecurity is a significant barrier to student achievement,” said Shayna Dunitz, Housing Connector managing director in Austin. “Our collaboration with ACC is a step toward ensuring that students in Austin have the stable housing they need to focus on their education and future.”

This work is made possible through Housing Connector’s partnership with the City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office, which provides funding to expand access to housing for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By extending this model to students through the ACC partnership, the city’s investment is directly supporting educational attainment and long-term stability for Austin residents.

“Students can’t focus on learning if they’re struggling to find a place to live,” said Cara Crowley, special advisor to the chancellor for basic needs systems at ACC. “This partnership helps remove a major barrier to student success and strengthens our commitment to meeting students’ basic needs.”

The announcement comes at a time of growing national attention on students’ basic needs, following Chancellor Lowery-Hart’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. In his remarks, he emphasized the urgent need for federal support for community college students, including access to housing, childcare and financial aid.

Nationally, housing insecurity among college students is a rising concern. A recent Urban Institute report highlighted the role states and institutions can play in supporting students experiencing homelessness, calling for solutions that reduce barriers and coordinate services. ACC’s partnership with Housing Connector is a direct response to this call for action, building local infrastructure to meet the urgent needs of students.

This article was originally published here.