ECRT - Basic Needs Resources

Associated Students Food Pantry

The A.S. Food Pantry is open three times per week to provide nutritious food and referrals to other food services for SDSU students experiencing food insecurity. No information is required from students other than their RedID.

CalFresh

CalFresh is a government program that can provide monthly food benefits to individuals and families through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
There are eligibility requirements including income levels, but students may qualify if they have an EFC of 0, are eligible for Federal Work Study, or if they meet the standard eligibility criteria.

ECRT Grocery Assistance

For students who are facing food insecurity and are otherwise unable to purchase food, they may be able to receive a one-time grocery card to a local store near them through ECRT. Students must submit a Request for Assistance form to meet with an ECRT staff member for an individualized assessment to see if they are eligible.

Wesley House Pantry

The Wesley House has a student pantry that is available certain days throughout the week. Students can just walk in, or may contact Krysta Hughes at [email protected] for more information.

Hillel SDSU

Hillel SDSU has free Starbucks pastries and sandwiches that are available for students Monday - Friday during the academic year. 

Open:
Monday - Thursday 10:00am - 9:00pm
and
Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Students will need to present their RedID to enter the building located at 5717 Lindo Paseo, San Diego, CA 92115. For more information, their phone number is 619-583-6080.

Food Resource Guide

For a more comprehensive list of general food resources, please visit our Food Resource Guide. This guide includes the resources listed here and more.

2-1-1

Anyone within the United States may find resources near them by either dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting 211.org.
These resources include, but are not limited to, food distribution sites, food pantries, CalFresh information, and more.
We would recommend students submit a Request for Assistance form if they are facing food insecurity or are in an immediate economic crisis.

Rapid Re-Housing Program

The SDSU Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program aims to secure housing for homeless/housing insecure students by providing housing location, short-term financial assistance, and wrap around case management services. RRH has the goal of moving students out of homeless situations as quickly as possible to facilitate educational success and long-term housing stability. More information can be found by submitting a Request for Assistance form.

Alternative / Off-Campus Housing Options

ECRT will help students understand their options that will provide the most stable environment to complete their education. Off-campus options include apartments around SDSU that are not contractually affiliated with SDSU, but will offer secure housing in a roommate-like setting. For assistance with looking into your housing options, please submit a Request for Assistance.

Housing Resource Guide

For a more comprehensive list of general housing resources, please visit our Housing Resource Guide. This guide includes the resources listed here and more.

2-1-1

Anyone within the United States may find resources near them by either dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting 211.org.
These resources include, but are not limited to, emergency shelters, supportive housing options, transitional housing, and more. We would recommend students submit a Request for Assistance form if they are facing housing insecurity or are in an immediate economic crisis.

Financial Aid / FAFSA / CA Dream Act Application

For those students who are eligible to submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, ECRT strongly encourages students to complete all necessary steps to receive the fullest amount of aid available. Information on how to submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and assistance with completing the application can be found through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Students can also visit the FAFSA webpage to directly submit a FAFSA.

ECRT Emergency Financial Assistance

For students who are facing an immediate basic needs crisis and do not have adequate financial support, they may be eligible for one-time emergency financial assistance to help bridge the gap in their needs. There are certain criteria to be eligible, and not everyone is able to receive the grant. All students must work with an ECRT staff member before submitting an application. To connect with an ECRT staff member, please submit a Request for Assistance form.

*Please note: Emergency financial assistance is not a scholarship, nor is it intended to be on-going financial aid. Additionally, the assistance may not be used toward tuition and fees, and is reserved for situations in which a student is facing an unexpected economic crisis.

Fee Relief Grant

In 2019, the Student Health and Wellness Fee and the Instructionally Related Activity Fee were increased. Included in the fee increase process was a 3% return to aid component to help to offset the impact of this fee increase to support students who were experiencing a financial hardship. This means that 3% of the funds collected for each fee are set aside to support students who are unable to pay the fee increase amount ($100 total per semester).
Students may find more information about applying for this by visiting the Fee Relief Grant page.

SDSU Aztec Scholarships

For students who are not necessarily in immediate crisis, but want to plan for their future financial situation, Aztec Scholarships can be very useful. SDSU offers numerous scholarships that can be applied for using their one general application. There are also specialized scholarships that can be applied for as well. Applications typically open in the Spring semester, and students can look into applying on the Aztec Scholarships website.

University Short-Term Loans

The University offers short-term loans for students between $100 - $1,000. Student eligibility and loan amount may be based off of a variety of factors, including income level. More information can be found on the Short Term Loan website.

SDSU Financial Education Peers

The Financial Education Peers empower the SDSU community to make sound and responsible decisions to achieve financial well-being. This is done by providing education to build the necessary skills to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. This program aims to create the confidence students need to achieve financial freedom and independence. They provide free events and one on one educational sessions on budgeting, credit, and more.

Community Financial Resources

For a more comprehensive list of general community financial resources, please visit our Community Financial Resources Guide.

SDSU Library Rentals

For students who need access to a laptop, webcam, or hotspot rental, the SDSU Library may be able to help. Please visit the Technology Equipment Checkout website for more information on rentals.

Internet Resources Guide

For more resources related to internet service, please visit our Internet Resource Guide.

Gas and MTS Cards

For students who are unable to get to work, school, or otherwise necessary places due to transportation barriers, ECRT may be able to provide a gas or MTS card. Students must submit a Request for Assistance form to meet with an ECRT staff member for assistance.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Federal Communications Commission started a long-term program to help eligible households pay for internet by providing up to a $30 per month discount. There are multiple ways to qualify, including if someone in your home receives the Pell Grant, is on MediCal, receives CalFresh, or if they meet one of the other qualifiers. More information can be found on the ACP website or by calling 866-696-8748.

Basic Needs Toolkit

To learn more about how to support students experiencing various basic needs or wellness situations, please visit our Basic Needs and Wellness Toolkit designed for faculty, staff, and student leaders.

Career Services

Career Services can provide SDSU students with assistance for job hunting, interview tips, resume advice, mock interviews, and more. Career Services also offers the Handshake app which allows for students to search for positions relevant to them.

CLC Legal Plans, Inc.

Associated Students has partnered with CLC Legal Plans Incorporated to provide free and discounted legal and financial services to enrolled SDSU students. Students can call to get a free 60 minute consultation and discounted rates if further counsel is needed regarding legal questions and concerns on a variety of areas..

Counseling and Psychological Services

To holistically address students’ well-being, ECRT encourages students to care for their mental health. Counseling and Psychological Services offers a wide range of services to help students obtain support for a variety of presenting concerns. These include individual counseling, couples counseling, group therapy, workshops, specialized programs, and appointments with Baxter, C&PS’ therapy dog.
A counselor can be accessed by calling C&PS at 619-594-5220.

For mental health emergencies when the office is closed, The San Diego Access & Crisis Line is always available at 888-724-7240.

Community Centers

The mission of the Community Centers is to support student success through a framework that addresses equity, justice, and inclusion. Centers facilitate the learning and growth of traditionally underserved students through programs and events that educate the campus; facilitation of intergroup dialogues to address pressing issues; and advocacy with campus stakeholders to create an institutional climate that supports the students we serve.

ECRT Resource Guides

ECRT has compiled resource guides in a variety of areas including general basic needs, food, housing, internet, fire, economic, and community financial resources.

The resource guides are listed below:

• Basic Needs Resource Guide
• Food Resource Guide
• Housing Resource Guide
• Internet Resource Guide
• Fire Resource Guide
• Economic Resource Guide
• Community Financial Resources Guide
• Student Parent Resource Guide

Student Ability Success Center

The Student Ability Success Center (SASC) is the university office responsible for providing appropriate academic accommodations for students with disabilities.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services (SHS) is staffed by fully licensed and certified health professionals who are dedicated to the college community. No-cost or low-cost medical services include outpatient evaluation and treatment of common medical problems, preventive care, health counseling, immunizations and psychiatric treatment. Information can be found on the Student Health Services website.

Student Financial Center

The Student Financial Center can help with questions related to financial aid, scholarships and student accounts. It is a one-stop-shop for financial aid and student account questions. More information can be found on the Student Financial Center website.

SDSU Student Resources

Compiled by Associated Students, this is a navigable list of the student resources SDSU has to offer. This includes university departments and areas from academics, to parking information, school entertainment, and more. The guide can be found on the SDSU Student Resources website.

Well-being and Health Promotion

The Department of Well-being and Health Promotion. W&HP offers a variety of services and resources for students, including sexual health education, nutrition education, health insurance assistance, and more.