Students facing housing insecurity and homelessness can find help through the Basic Needs program at Long Beach City College.
The Basic Needs Program addresses housing insecurities, offers free groceries through the Viking Vault, helps with the application process for CalFresh and more.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were already homeless and housing insecure students and with the pandemic the number of students has risen, according to The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice.
The eligibility requirements for housing help are to be enrolled in six units and in good academic standing.
“Do not let the minimum requirements discourage you from contacting us because even if you’re not eligible we still have community resources that may help,” said Justin Mendez, Basic Needs Program manager.
Most recently the program was given a grant that can help students who are behind on rent and students who are experiencing homelessness.
“I’m so grateful that as a MSW and LBCC’s Basic Needs Coordinator, I am able to provide students with the same types of resources I, myself, used when I was a community college student and throughout my graduate school experience. As a single mother of three, I know how hard it is to make it through school with limited resources and competing needs. I am very transparent about my own journey and I hope that helps students know they are not alone,” said Dianka Lohay, Master Social Worker and Basic Needs Coordinator.
“It’s okay for students to ask for help. The only way for us to help you is if you reach out,” said Mendez.
The housing program works with CalWORKs, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) students as well.
Another housing resource is a direct housing help through the Basic Needs Program with Hoveness partnership. The requirements for eligibility are that students need to be enrolled in nine units and have completed nine units. This is subject to change because of the recent pandemic.
If students do not qualify for the program there is still help available. The program can connect you to other resources in the community.
There is the emergency CARES fund for students who need emergency assistance. It provides an additional grant. The only requirements are that students are in need and you can apply for the grant through the LBCC website.
“There is no shame in asking for help because there are so many students struggling right now. You are not alone,” said Mendez.
Students who use their cars as homes may also get the chance to safely park on their community college campus according to California Legislative Information Assembly Bill number 302.
This bill has been amended four times prior with its most recent amendment stating July 1, 2021 as an effective start date. There are restrictions to the bill and to which colleges are eligible to allow students to safely park on campus overnight.
Other than the Basic Needs Program, there is the Helping Homeless Students Group who works with the Basic Needs Program. The group is a resource for the program and can help students who are homeless.
To contact the program email basicneeds@lbcc.edu or call (562) 938-5054. Use the link to access the Student Resource Guide.