The University of Oregon Basic Needs Program is providing students with emergency housing through its program, the Landing Pad.
The Landing Pad, which launched in 2022, connects students to emergency housing on campus for up to two weeks, according to Julia Morrill, director of Basic Needs and Off-Campus Community Support.
Students can apply through the UO Basic Needs website and their application will be processed “within a couple of days,” according to Morrill. After applying, students meet with someone from the Basic Needs Program to plan their next steps.
“We try to offer students various different resources. They’re in the driver’s seat,” Morrill said. “They know what is best for them and we try to empower them with information on what is available and different (resources) they could use on campus and in the community.”
While students are at the temporary shelter, the Basic Needs Program provides them with basic hygiene supplies and necessities, including toiletries, bedding and Duck Bucks, a UO debit card program.
The program’s housing assistance can be a sigh of relief for students navigating a complex and increasingly pricey housing market. Only about 3% of apartments in Eugene set monthly rent lower than $1,000 and students, who often cannot realistically work full time, can be heavily affected.
Ardina Mofid, a sophomore who attended the 2025 Housing and Community Resources Fair on Feb. 5, discussed her experience looking at off-campus housing for the first time.
“It’s been overwhelming and a little confusing too because the prices are really high and because I don’t know how it’s gonna work out for next year,” Mofid said.
Beyond the Landing Pad, the Basic Needs Program also assists housing insecure students by providing them with longer-term options, including housing and monetary needs.
“If (students) come for an appointment, we can talk to them about a variety of different resources we have available such as any of our other subsidies, or (resources for) any food security issues they may be facing,” Morrill said.
Another housing program for students is the Housing Subsidy Fund, which is a program paid by Incidental Fees that the Associated Students of the University of Oregon oversees.
According to Morill, the fund currently distributes $700 to $900 to every student who is granted assistance. Students can apply up to three times while attending UO.
UO Basic Needs connects students through their website, Instagram and print advertising and is working to update their housing services with the help of ASUO outreach.
“We are not sure if the Landing Pad is really the optimal solution for emergency housing for University of Oregon students but we are exploring other options internally and ASUO is conducting a housing survey,” Nick Dikas, Basic Needs coordinator for housing, said.
Morrill said providing stable housing is an important part of supporting UO students’ overall well-being.
“Our ultimate goal is to help students bridge the gap between where they are now and where they need to be so that they can continue their education at UO,” Morrill said. “We want them to be able to pay their bills and have safe and stable housing, nutritious food and also connect with the community.”
