During Oregon’s 2021 Regular Session, a bill was passed which earmarked funds for that state’s public universities and colleges to hire benefits navigators. These benefits navigators help students find and apply for benefit programs like SNAP. The bill not only sets aside part of the General Fund to finance these positions but also makes having such positions mandatory and a feedback system so students can let their colleges know how they would be best served.
The bill itself was passed on June 23, and institutions were given access to the funds on July 1.
Oregon State University has had a benefits navigator, Miguel Arrellano, for three years now, a position funded by student fees. The importance of having a benefits navigator can be seen in the work Arrellano has been doing. During his time at OSU, he has helped students receive almost $1.4 million in state and federal resources. Helping students access the financial assistance they need means more people are able to participate and stay in higher education programs.
According to Chloe Eberhardt, a policy advocate for the organization Hunger Free Oregon, college students typically experience higher rates of food insecurity than members of the general public. Hunger Free Oregon has been working with student advocates for the past three years, and multiple listening sessions revealed a general demand among students for benefits navigator positions to help them meet their basic needs and financial concerns while balancing collegiate responsibilities.
Despite having access to the funds for almost a month, OSU has not yet decided how this new money will be used. Arrellano hopes that OSU will make its decision over this summer.
By Jalen Todd
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