A Real College Survey analysis of more than 77,000 community college students found acute basic‑needs insecurity: in the San Diego Community College District, 46% of respondents reported uncertainty about accessing nutritious food and 58% reported unstable housing or unaffordable rent; roughly 20% reported experiencing homelessness. The national study highlights how cost, access and capacity barriers leave millions of students vulnerable and complicate retention and completion efforts. College officials and advocates warned that financial pressures, mental‑health needs and housing instability are driving chronic absenteeism and undermining postsecondary success. Community colleges serving high proportions of low‑income and first‑generation students say the data reinforce calls for increased emergency aid, expanded on‑campus services and stronger state and federal support.