The Basic Needs Center at Merritt college is committed to advancing justice and holistic care on our campus to support the well-being of our students. We believe that food security, housing security, and financial stability are essential. The Basic Needs Center aims to remove barriers and offer tools and assistance to bolster students’ capacity to thrive personally and academically. We provide short-term emergency relief and connect students to campus and community resources. We are in the process of expanding virtual and physical workshop offerings and resource hubs.
All enrolled students including international and undocumented students are eligible for Basic Needs Center resources and services.
Follow us on IG for the latest updates! @merritt.bnc
BASIC NEEDS REQUEST FORM
Are you a student in need of basic resources to help you remain academically successful?
This form serves as an entry point to connect students to on-campus & community resources, provide referrals, and screen for emergency aid.
What to expect after submitting this form
- Submitting this application does not automatically guarantee your eligibility for all services applied for.
- Susana, the Basic Needs Coordinator will review applications each week and send you an email to notify you of your application status via email
- If additional documentation or an appointment is needed, you will be given instructions on next steps.
- Students approved for gift cards will need to pick them up at the Student Activities Office R 124.
- Students approved for the emergency grant will receive their aid as a financial aid disbursement the Friday after their approval email.
- If you do not see the grant reflected in your Bankmoble or personal bank account, reach out to the Financial Aid Office for an update.
The grant is available on a first-come first-served basis according to the following guidelines:
- The student is enrolled in at least 3 units at Merritt College
- The student demonstrates need
Examples of emergencies include but are not limited to:
- Unexpected medical/dental/legal expense for student or family member
- Unexpected transportation expense for student or family member (i.e. car repair bill)
- Sudden loss of childcare or sudden increase in childcare expenses
- Documented theft of essential resources
- Death of immediate family member
- Imminent eviction or cessation of utilities
- Expenses due to unexpected move, loss of housing, or catastrophic property damage
- Students are eligible to receive this aid once each academic year, provided as Mobil gas cards and/or Safeway gift cards.
- Undocumented students who are ineligible for CalFresh and students with children are prioritized
Best Colleges’ List of Basic Needs Resources
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Merritt College Emergency Aid Program: Project Success
Purpose: The Project Success Emergency Aid Program is designed to assist students in dealing with unforeseen financial emergencies that, if not quickly resolved, could cause students to drop out of school.
Grant Amount:
How to Apply: ***We are currently not accepting applications for the Project Success Grant. Please check back in, as we will update the link to the new application portal when it is available*** Students requesting assistance to pay an outstanding bill should be prepared to upload a copy of the outstanding bill. Approvals for food or grocery requests will not exceed $200. For questions, contact Susana Abdurahman (Basic Needs Coordinator) at |
FOOD RESOURCES
Merritt S.O.U.L. Food Bank
Merritt College’s Food Bank occurs every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month when school is in session. It is held in R-127 (R Building, Student Center) from 12 PM to 2 PM. For more information, visit https://www.merritt.edu/foodbank/.
CalFresh
Would you like to receive money for groceries every month? Apply for CalFresh here!
Alameda County Food Banks
Name | Address | Contact Information |
Alameda Food Bank
(Only those who live or work in Alameda can receive food) |
650 West Ranger Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 |
(510) 523-5850 |
Alameda County Community Food Bank | 7900 Edgewater Dr
Oakland, CA |
(510) 775-2527 www.accfb.org |
California Association of Food Banks | 1611 Telegraph Ave, Ste 830
Oakland, CA |
(510) 272-4435 |
Hope 4 the Heart Food Bank | 22035 Meekland Ave
Hayward, CA |
(510) 581-4673 |
Butler’s Pantry LLC Food Bank | 2159 National Ave
Hayward, CA |
|
Berkeley Food Network Food Bank | 1925 9th St
Berkeley, CA |
https://berkeleyfoodnetwork.org/contact-us/ |
Berkeley Food Pantry Food Bank | 1600 Sacramento St
Berkeley, CA |
(510) 525-2280 |
Dorothy Day House Food Bank Homeless Shelter |
Berkeley, CA | (925) 519-9881 |
Chubby Pantry Co Food Bank | 3448 Oak Knoll Blvd
Oakland, CA |
|
Monday Night Mission: East Oakland Food Bank |
5733 San Leandro St
Oakland, CA |
(510) 516-0166 |
HOUSING RESOURCES
Building Futures/211/Operation Dignity
Contact Building Futures at 866-A-WAY-OUT (24 HOUR TOLL FREE CRISIS LINE) or Call 2-1-1 For the same intake The 24 hours, 7 days a week resource for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness is to call 2-1-1.
Staff there have the most in-depth knowledge of available resources, shelter locations, and available housing applications. There are a number of resources countywide that can be accessed by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website at http://211alamedacounty.org/.
Mobile Outreach Non-profit organizations Operation Dignity and Building Futures provide basic necessities to those experiencing homelessness while working on stabilizing their situation and helping them to find housing.
Dine and Connect
Dine and Connect Held on the last Monday of each month, dinners lead by Alameda’s faith based community provide more than just a warm meal to those experiencing homelessness. Alongside dinner, this program connects individuals to services and resources and fosters community with an opportunity for individuals to meet, talk, and connect.
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church 1420 Lafayette St. Alameda, CA (click to view contact info)
Covia Home Match
Covia Home Match 881 Turk St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 351-1000 https://covia.org/programs/home-match/ |
Home Match Oakland Rooms Catalog |
LEGAL RESOURCES
East Bay Community Law Center’s Free Immigration Legal Services
To schedule a virtual appointment with the East Bay Community Law Center, click here.
PANTHER PARENT RESOURCES
We see you Panther Parents!!! We know it’s not easy juggling school, work, parenthood, and life. Merritt College and the Panther Basic Need Center are here to support you and your cubs (children) with Panther Pride.
Browse through the information below and click the links to access more support services and resources.
- Panther Parents qualify for early (priority) registration. To prepare for registration, parents are encourage to complete all of the steps to apply and enroll (apply for admission, complete orientation, meet with a counselor, enroll in your classes, and pay your fees.
- Don’t forget to apply for additional support. Click the links below check the eligibility requirements and apply for
- Need diapers? Checkout Help a Mother Out and their community partner diaper distribution sites.
- Panther parents might also qualify for CalFresh Benefits , California Earned Income Tax Credit , the Young Child Tax Credit , and nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthy foods through the WIC program.
- Peralta Child Care @ Merritt College