The Bay Area’s housing crisis showing few signs of slowing down, and studies continuing to show students and young people as among those facing elevated rates of housing insecurity.
In response, a group of De Anza College students is stepping up and pushing administrators, the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, and Cupertino officials to support more housing in the community.
With the Flint Center, De Anza’s aging performing arts center, closed and set to be replaced – following community input on various options – the students have identified the site as a possible place to build new housing on campus.
At a District Board meeting, when pushed about the need for affordable student housing on campus, Chancellor Judy Miner responded that the Flint Center site would likely be a combination of performing arts space and housing units.
Earlier this week, De Anza’s student representative on the district board, Genevieve Kolar, spoke at Cupertino’s City Council meeting about the need for affordable housing in the region, particularly given the difficulty students have juggling school, work, and other commitments.
More community outreach about development at De Anza College is expected in coming months. A town hall is tentatively set for November 12, where the college will present ideas and a potential timeline.