In the last year, two-thirds of community colleges experienced food insecurity, one-half experienced housing insecurity, and one in seven experienced homelessness (Wisconsin HOPE Lab). More and more colleges are recognizing the impact of unmet basic needs on student wellness and success.
Addressing Basic Needs Insecurity
In response to these needs, CCC are spearheading innovative and effective practices such as food pantries, community partnerships, service enrollment, and more. The CCCCO and the Foundation are committed to supporting CCC in developing basic needs awareness, resources, and systems. Several resources have been created under CCC Health & Wellness to support these efforts.
News & Announcements
Back to Basics: College Students Experiencing Homelessness
Webinar | April 14, 2020 | 10-11:15 am PT
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, approximately 17% of college students experienced homelessness over the course of a year. In the wake of the outbreak and school closures, there is an even greater need to understand how to identify and support this vulnerable population.California Higher Education Basic Needs Alliance (CHEBNA) 2020 Summit: Advancing Student Success
February 6-7, 2020 | Intersegmental Basic Needs Summit
CSU, CCC and UC systems will host students, staff, faculty, and community partners to explore the efforts of advancing basic needs.California Community Colleges #RealCollege Survey Report (March 2019)
More than 50% of CCC Students Experience Food Insecurity, almost 20% Faced Homelessness
Nearly 40,000 students from 57 CCC participated in the #RealCollege Survey from the CCC Chancellor’s Office and The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice in fall of 2016 and 2018. Seven in 10 respondents had experienced food insecurity or housing insecurity or homelessness in the last year.Basic Needs Summary Report
California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
In Fall 2017, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) conducted a survey of the CCC system to learn what supports are available to help with students’ basic needs.Guidelines for California Community College Homeless Youth Liaisons
California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
This primer is designed to guide Homeless Youth Liaisons in their work.Featured Resources
- California Community Colleges Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Guidebook – Includes SNAP Application and Staple Food Guidelines
- Wellness Central
CalFresh Outreach Webinar, Part 1 – College Student Food Insecurity: CalFresh Benefits
- CDSS CalFresh Student Eligibility Guidelines: All County Letter No. 17-05
- Apply for CalFresh Here
- Infographic: Supporting CCC Students in Meeting Basic Needs
- Biteable: Basic Needs – Helping Students Enroll in CalFresh
- Meeting Basic Needs to Support Students’ Mental Health and Success
- Basic Needs Summit (April 26-27, 2018)
- Homeless Youth Liaisons Directory
- Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Liaisons Directory
- Each Mind Matters Resource Center