Students walking around on campus

Mt. Hood Community College Partners with College Housing Northwest to Open Abigail Court: A New Student Housing Community in Gresham

September 26, 2024

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From Left to Right:
Pam Blumenthal, CHNW Director of Affordable Rents for College Students (ARCS) Program
Jim Rader, CHNW Executive Director
Travis Stovall, Mayor of Gresham
Lisa Skari, MHCC President
Traci Simmons, MHCC Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Ryan Sturley, CHNW Director of Finance and Real Estate

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is excited to announce the opening of Abigail Court, a brand-new student housing community developed in partnership with College Housing Northwest (CHNW). Located on the edge of downtown Gresham, Abigail Court offers 75 studio units designed to provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing for MHCC students.

Formerly the Pony Soldier Motel, and then most recently the Ponderosa Inn, the site has been transformed into modern student apartments. Eligible students residing in these apartments will enjoy the added benefit of having utilities and Wi-Fi included at no additional cost. This ensures both peace of mind and reliable internet access, allowing students to focus on their studies without worry. The property is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from MHCC’s Gresham campus, offering students easy access to local grocery stores, job opportunities, and other amenities.

In addition, 50 of the 75 units at Abigail Court are designated as no-cost housing for students participating in the Affordable Rent for College Students (ARCS) program. These units will be available to MHCC students who are referred through the college's Student Basic Needs office, helping to ensure that students facing housing insecurity and homelessness have a safe place to call home while they pursue their education. The final inspections were just completed,  welcoming students to move in Sept. 25, just in time for Fall Term. 

"Abigail Court represents an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to student success," said Dr. Lisa Skari, president of Mt. Hood Community College. "By partnering with College Housing Northwest, we’re not just providing a place to live—we’re providing a place where students can thrive. This is especially important for students in need of affordable housing, as it helps remove a major barrier to their education."

MHCC has been in partnership with CHNW since 2020, and Abigail Court is the latest addition to their efforts in providing accessible and deeply affordable housing options for local students.

For more information about Abigail Court, visit https://chnw.org/properties/abigail-court/.