For many students the college experience is all about making ends meet while trying to work toward a better life. Careers that provide family wage jobs often require college degrees or certificates. But obstacles like paying rent, affording food and arranging
childcare while earning a degree stand in the way.
Mt. Hood Community College has been rising to the challenge by providing students access to multiple services to meet basic needs so that they can thrive in college. Many people don’t know about the range of services available to students at MHCC,
including:
- Housing: Short-term rent assistance, connection to community resources and a list of student-friendly apartments in the Gresham area.
- Family resources: Preschool and childcare programs, health screenings and education, meals, transportation and many other services.
- Laptop, internet and technology: Loaner laptops, WiFi hotspots, discounted internet and money to help pay for internet.
- Food: MHCC’s foodbank, Barney’s Pantry, provides food boxes, including quick meals, drinks, snacks and personal hygiene items.
- Emergency money: When emergencies happen, paying for necessities such as food, shelter, childcare, transportation or healthcare can be challenging. All currently enrolled MHCC students
are eligible to receive emergency money.
MHCC also provides educational services such as career counseling, help finding a job, tutoring and veteran services.
MHCC is able to provide these resources through a range of funding sources. Over the last few months the college has secured an additional $3.8 million that will be used to fund and improve student services.
To find information about accessing student services, visit: mhcc.edu/studentresources.