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

Project Success

Through our funding partner ECMC, this grant of up to $500 is available to students that have encountered a sudden unforeseen circumstance that will negatively impact their education if not addressed.

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Merritt is their home campus
• Enrolled in 6 units at Merritt
• 2.0 GPA
• Written Statement and Documentation of sudden unforeseen circumstance and supporting bills/expenses.

Emergency aid funds may:

• Be approved for eligible expenses including, but not limited to, utilities, housing/rent, food, medical/dental, transportation, and childcare provided there is a documentable one-time emergency.

Emergency aid funds may NOT:

• Be used to cover school expenses (parking, fines, tuition, books, supplies, required tools/equipment, fees or housing, etc.).

• Be used to pay prior balances owed to the school.

• Be released without a completed application and supporting documentation.

ECMC Financial Literacy Trainings

ECMC is pleased to offer webinars that provide you with timely, up-to-date information in a concise format—giving you the right amount of information in the right amount of time. Our webcasts are at no cost to you. Register today for the next training. https://www.ecmc.org/schools/training

Financial Wellness Workshops

Wednesdays 12-1pm in the Financial Aid Conference Room

9/10 - Understanding Financial Institutions
9/17 - Budgeting & Saving with Intention
9/24 - Keys to Building and Maintaining Good Credit
Lunch Provided!

The Basic Needs Center's Food Banks are every Thursday, 12 PM - 2 PM.

Apply for the Merritt Basic Needs Emergency Transportation Grant Here

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

Merritt Basic Needs Center Free Diaper Program

Step 1: Fill out the Application:

https://tinyurl.com/merrittbncfall25gascards

Step 2: Eligible applicants will be emailed with program details