This blog post was written by Emily Portillo, United Way Senior Program Manager, Bridge to Finish. Banner photo: Brianna Dwyer‑O’Connor, member of Benefits Hub partner Neighborhood House (right), and Marlo Klein, United Way of King County’s Senior Manager of Eviction Prevention & Housing Stability.

Postsecondary education is critical to building a strong and equitable workforce in Washington state, but far too many students face barriers that make completing their education out of reach.

According to the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), 45% of adults lack an initial postsecondary credential, and among those who enroll, 40% do not graduate, with affordability cited as a key issue. Housing instability is a major part of this challenge: About 34% of students experience housing insecurity, and 11% face homelessness while enrolled.

At United Way of King County, we are building a bridge to finish alongside community and higher‑education partners through our annual Student Basic Needs Summit series, strengthening awareness, collaboration, and solutions that ensure students can meet their basic needs and complete their education.

In March, 150 leaders gathered at Tacoma Community College to join United Way of King County and our partners at LISC Puget Sound, WSAC, and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for the Postsecondary Student Housing Summit.

This cross‑sector convening brought together colleges, housing developers, policymakers, funders, community partners, and state agencies for a day of shared learning, relationship‑building, and action planning.

The convening focused on understanding the scope of student housing need and uplifting the innovative work already underway across Washington.

Bryce McKibben of the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs reminded us that “this isn’t a student failure—this is a systemic failure,” urging participants to address root causes rather than symptoms. Jason Wilde of Housing Connector then demonstrated what’s possible when systems align, highlighting an 89% housing retention rate among clients placed and supported through their model.

The day concluded with a regional solutions lab that moved participants from learning to action. Grounded in the Washington Low Income Housing Study authored by LISC Puget Sound, attendees worked together to align lived experience, institutional expertise, and research—surfacing shared insights and regionally responsive strategies to advance student housing solutions. Explore the posters below to see the ideas and strategies that emerged. 

As I reflect on the needs highlighted by participants, one thing is clear: the time to act is now. Community holds the answers, but those solutions only move forward when we intentionally create space and accountability to bring them to life. United Way is committed to King County-based projects through financial investment and technical assistance. 

If you’re ready to help turn ideas into action and advance student housing stability here in King County or across Washington state, email us to get involved and visit the Housing Summit landing page to take the next step.