Basic Needs Center

The Basic Needs Coordinator is working hard to establish Merritt College's first Basic Needs Center. The Basic Needs Center will serve as a physical resource hub for students, stay tuned for the launch date! 

For additional resources, please explore the tabs below! If you still have questions, or would like to meet with the Basic Needs Coordinator, you can make an appointment at this link: https://calendly.com/sabdurahman-bnc 

The links and information on our most frequently asked about referrals can be found on our linktr.ee:

https://linktr.ee/merrittbnc 

If you need emergency aid please read more about the Project Success Emergency Grant under "Financial Resources"

Best Colleges’ List of Basic Needs Resources

bit.ly/StudentResourcesBasicNeeds

Merritt College Emergency Aid Program: Project Success

Emergency Transportation Grants: 

Grants in the form of gas cards and uber cards will be available to students later in the semester. When we start accepting applications, a form will be sent out on the student newsletter and will be posted on our webpage.

Eligibility:

• Must be currently enrolled
• Must be taking at least one class on-campus
• EFC 0 and/or demonstrate need

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, click here.

CalFresh

Would you like to receive money for groceries every month? Apply for CalFresh here!

Alameda County Food Banks

 A list of housing resources is available by clicking this link.

For urgent housing needs, call 2-1-1 

More information below:

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-hour, 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 is held on the last Monday of each month, dinners led 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

East Bay Community Law Center’s Free Immigration Legal Services

To schedule a virtual appointment with the East Bay Community Law Center, click here.

Centro Legal de La Raza: https://www.centrolegal.org/ 

Eviction Defense Center: https://www.evictiondefensecenteroakland.org/ 

Just Cause/Causa Justa: https://cjjc.org/ 

Oakland Lawyers In the Library: https://oaklandlibrary.org/lawyers-in-the-library/

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 encouraged 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 to check the eligibility requirements and apply for:
  • Financial Aid
  • EOPS/CARE
  • CalWORKs
  • Next UP (former foster youth)
• Need diapers? Check out 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 Women, Infants, and Children program.
• Peralta Child Care at Merritt College