#MakeRoom Project and Basic Needs Resource Guide

#MakeRoom Project

In 2020-2021, the Learning Framework team led the #MakeRoom: Housing Justice in Higher Ed project. The project arose out of discussions about the housing needs identified in our research, and the lack of affordable housing in the SF Bay Area. The project began with a half-day kick-off event, featuring experts in the field as well as student panelists with lived experiences of housing insecurity. After the presentations, participants, including faculty, staff, students, and community partners worked in the small groups below, meeting throughout the semester to dive more deeply into understanding housing issues and learning about how to advocate for access to affordable housing. 

Legislative Advocacy Small Group

This small group learned about legislation related to housing, and some participants chose to advocate for certain measures. The group organized a Virtual "Housing on the Ballot" Q & A Event where they discussed three propositions and measures being decided in the November 2020 election, including CA State Prop 21 (did not pass; would have expanded rent control), Alameda County Measure W (passed; added a .5% sales tax to support expanded services for people experiencing housing insecurity), and the City of Alameda Measure Z (did not pass; would have eliminated restrictions on building multi-unit housing.)

Op-Ed Small Group

This small group wrote an opinion piece for a local publication to spread awareness about the issue of housing insecurity among college students.

Social Media Small Group

This small group worked on raising awareness about housing insecurity via major social media platforms. 

Tiny Homes Small Group

This small group is still meeting informally. They are working on finding creative ways to build tiny homes in ways that are sustainable and affordable. Tiny homes are a spatially and economically friendly way to address housing needs.

Information and Resources Small Group

This small group developed the interactive resource guide below to help students find basic needs information and services.

Resources Guide