Basic Needs Center

The Merritt College Basic Needs Center is located on the first floor of the Student Center (R-Building) in R-28. It is open Monday - Friday. Our Fall 2025 hours are as follows: 

Monday - Wednesday 9 am - 4 pm 
Thursday 12 pm - 4 pm 
Friday 9 am - 12 pm 

The Merritt College Basic Needs Center launched on November 21st, 2024.

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 

Best Colleges’ List of Basic Needs Resources

bit.ly/StudentResourcesBasicNeeds

As of September 30th, 2025 at 3 PM CT, the U.S. Department of Education has ended the ECMC Project Success 
Emergency Aid and all funds previously allocated to Merritt College have been depleted.
If you are in need of food, diapers, hygiene items, or other non-monetary/non-financial basic needs resources, you can visit the Basic Needs Center during open hours.

Financial Wellness Workshops

Every semester the Basic Needs Center partners with Patelco Credit Union to provide Financial Wellness Workshops. 

Students can access fresh produce and pantry staples every Thursday at our Panther Pantry from 12 pm - 4 pm. 

Need food today? The Alameda County Community Food Bank has a helpline that can connect you to a source for same day groceries or hot meals Monday - Friday. You can call 510-635-3663 or visit FoodNow.net 

Need help finding additional pantries in the community? You can find a pantry at https://www.foodnow.net/find-a-food-pantry/

Interested in applying for CalFresh? Fill out your application at https://benefitscal.com

Food Grants in the form of grocery gift cards are available every winter and summer while campus services are less accessible. Applications for summer and winter grocery cards open toward the end of Fall and Spring semester and will be available on our website, Instagram (merritt.bnc), and Merritt student newsletter. 

The Merritt Basic Needs Center provides a transportation grant each semester for students in need. Students can apply for emergency gas cards once per semester during the application window. 

 Students must meet the following requirements: 
1. Be enrolled in at least 1 class that meets on campus at Merritt College 
2. Merritt must be home campus. 
3. Demonstrate need 

Gas cards are available in limited quantities. 

We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2025 gas cards

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/

For immediate housing assistance call 2-1-1 

Additional Off-Campus Resources can be found below or in our housing resource guide 

• Oakland Housing Authority (OHA)
  Offers affordable public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Oakland residents.
  oakha.org
• Eden Housing
  Provides affordable rental housing and senior living options across the East Bay.
  edenhousing.org
• The Unity Council
  Supports East Bay communities with affordable housing, financial counseling, and more.
  unitycouncil.org
•  Keep People Housed
  A regional program that provides legal services to help prevent evictions.
  ebclc.org
• NID Housing Counseling Agency
  Offers foreclosure prevention, homebuyer education, and housing counseling.
  nidonline.org
• Housing & Emergency Lodging Program (HELP)
  Offers transitional housing, emergency shelter, and assistance to individuals in need.
• Catholic Charities of the East Bay
  Provides housing assistance, including homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing services.
  cceb.org
• 211 Alameda County
  A free, confidential resource that connects people to housing, food, health care, and other essential services.
  211alamedacounty.org
• Home Match – Front Porch
  A program that matches homeowners with extra space to individuals seeking affordable housing.
  frontporch.net/home-match
• CalHHS Emergency Resource Guide
  Provides housing resources and emergency shelter services through the California Health & Human Services Agency.
  CalHHS Emergency Resource Guide
• Openhouse SF (LGBTQIA+ Housing Resources)
  Provides housing services specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community, including affordable housing assistance.
  openhouse-sf.org
• Lao Family Community Development
  Offers housing, financial literacy, and employment services for low-income individuals and families.
  lfcd.org
• East Oakland Community Project (EOCP)
  Provides shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services.
  eocp.net
• Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
  Supports individuals with mental health issues and low-income families with affordable housing options.
  bayareacs.org 

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