Basic Needs Programs
Welcome
The Basic Needs Center (BNC) at SBCC is a centralized hub that helps you navigate challenges you may be facing. We strive to build awareness about food insecurity, healthy nutrition, CalFresh, Financial Aid, and other resources in a dignified and helpful environment.
We work in partnership with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara, the SB County Food Action Network Higher Education Basic Needs Impact Group, and TBH, a virtual one-stop-shop for all your basic needs!
Support services are available around the clock ⌛, from the comfort of your mobile device 📱, 365 days a year 🗓️. No wait times or waitlists.
📌 **Signing up is easy. Get started today with a few simple steps:**
- Visit our TBH portal at basic-needs.info/SBCC
- Log in using your SBCC credentials
- Complete a benefit screener (expect so spend about ~10 mins on filling out your info)
- Connect with a virtual Care Navigator at a time that fits your schedule
You can also visit the Basic Needs Center on Main Campus
Location: East Campus, Room: ECC-14
Email: basicneeds@sbcc.edu
Phone: (805) 730-3067
Fall 2024 Basic Needs Center Hours
Monday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Food Pantry open 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Tuesday - 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Food Pantry open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Wednesday -8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Food Pantry open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Thursday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Food Pantry open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Friday - By appointment
*The Basic Needs Center is closed during holidays.
Our Programs
Micro Grants
We recognize that unexpected circumstances can create financial hardships. Our Basic Needs Center provides micro grants to help support and overcome these challenges.
CalFresh
CalFresh is a federally funded food nutrition assistance program that can help applicants buy the food they need to live healthy and active lifestyles.
Check your eligibility and apply by emailing basicneeds@sbcc.edu or calling (805) 730-3066 to schedule an appointment.
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry invites current SBCC students experiencing food insecurity regardless of income. Visit the Food Pantry at the Basic Needs Center and pick up FREE fresh produce, canned goods, pasta, dry grains, drinks, on-the-go snacks, and toiletries.
Hot Showers
Hot showers is a referral program that grants you access to hot showers on campus for those in need. Visit the BNC in ECC-14 for a referral.
Housing Resources
Learn about the Housing Resources in Santa Barbara with the Basic Needs Center and Ameri-Corps: Home for Good every Thursday 11am - 1pm in ECC-14.
Solar Chargers
Solar power chargers are available for students' experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Basic Needs Resources and Referrals
The Basic Needs Center is here to support your SBCC journey!
Learn More
Learn all about the BNC services!
Follow the BNC
Collaborate with the BNC
A collaboration with the BNC can encompass a variety of activities, including: presentations, program involvement, thought partnerships, interviews, and more.
Contact Information
Director, Student Equity and Engagement Programs • Student Equity Programs
Phone: (805) 730-4199
Email: rmbyrne@sbcc.edu
Make a Gift
The SBCC Basic Needs Center is partially funded by a Grant from the Department of
Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) through California Climate Investments.
The SBCC Basic Needs Center is also funded by the CCCCO Hunger-Free Campus Initiative,
the SBCC Foundation, and generous donations from campus and community members.
If you are interested in making a monetary donation to the SBCC Basic Needs Program please click here: https://www.sbccfoundation.org/give-where-most-needed/.
To ensure the gift is directed to the SBCC Basic Needs Center please select "Use my donation where it is needed most" from the drop-down menu and type "Basic Needs Center" into the "Other Gift Instructions" section. If you have any questions about donating to the SBCC Basic Needs Center please contact the SBCC Foundation at (805) 730-4401 or email info@sbccfoundation.org.