Basic Needs Resource Center (BNRC)

The RCC Basic Needs Resource Center (BNRC) is a comprehensive, campus-wide initiative dedicated to supporting students facing food insecurity, housing instability, and other emergency or crisis situations. Our mission is to help supplement basic needs and promote sustainability for student wellness and success. By raising awareness and connecting students with both on and off-campus support services, we work to foster a supportive environment that empowers students to overcome barriers and thrive academically and personally.

Fall Intake Form

In need of support? Please fill out the Student Needs Intake Form. This form provides students with a private and secure way to disclose their needs to our Basic Needs team. If you are in need of support, we encourage you to complete this form. It will take approximately 5-10 minutes to fill out, and students only need to complete it once per semester. All responses are confidential and will be used to connect you with additional support services, such as extended access to the Food Pantry, housing support, and gift cards (if available).

Fall 2024 Intake Form

Contact us

Location: Charles A. Kane Building, Room 104
Phone (Front Desk): (951) 328-3777
Basic Needs Supervisor: (951) 222-8714
Student Success Specialist: (951) 328-3791

Hours
Monday	8 am - Noon
Tuesday	8 am - 6 pm
Wednesday	8 am - 5 pm *May be impacted by food delivery
Thursday	8 am - 5 pm
Friday	8 am - Noon

BNRC Team

Desiree Rivera, Supervisor
Desiree.Rivera@rcc.edu | (951) 222-8714 (Office) | (951) 204-1605 (Cell)

Book an Appointment

Georgina Godoy Zambrano, Student Success Specialist
Georgina.Godoyzambrano@rcc.edu | (951) 328-3791 (Office) | (951) 204-3102 (Cell)

Book an Appointment

Basic Needs Services

Food Security Food pantry, meal vouchers, and Gift Cards, CalFresh	Mental Health Student Health & Psychological Services
Housing Security Homeless & Housing Insecure Pilot Program (HHIP), Rental Assistance, Community Resources	Additional Resources Personal hygiene items, campus laundry services, career closet, community resources, and more.

Food Pantry

Guidelines for students at the BNRC pantry are as follows:

Check in at the front desk with your Student ID. There can be 2 Tiger Shoppers at a time.	All students will receive a reusable bag on their first visit. Please bring a reusable bag with you each time.
Select a Tiger Shopping Basket and place selected items in the basket.	Follow limits on specified items. General limit is 1 per item. Please grab loose items on shelf, not packaged boxes.
Wellness Ambassadors will bag your items at the front desk and return your cart.	Thank you for coming! See you in two weeks!

How often can students visit the pantry?

Students can visit the pantry for a bag of food and personal items once every 2 weeks. If they demonstrate more need, they may be able to visit more often.

Do students have to be enrolled to visit the pantry?

Students should be currently enrolled in RCCD. Sometimes when students first enroll, they do not show up in the system but they are still able to visit.

Why are the items on the shelves labeled?

The labels identify the items and the quantity students are able to take. The general rule is 1 per item, unless the label specifies students are able to take more.

Does the BNRC accept donations?

Donations are welcome. Food items should be sealed, dry/non-perishable goods, preferably canned goods. Other items should be new, preferably packaged.

Our Food Pantry assists any currently enrolled RCC student who may be experiencing hardship or food insecurity. Students may receive one bag of food, household and hygiene products per week.

317

Students Served - September 2022

572

Students Served - February 2023

839

Students Served - May 2023

Gift Cards and Vouchers

Complete the Basic Needs Intake Form

Students can complete a survey to request gift cards and vouchers.

Wait for Email

If the request is approved, students will receive an email when their form is ready for pickup.

Pick up Signed Form

Students will pick up their form in the Basic Needs Resource Center - Charles A. Kane Building.

Submit Form to Cashier's Office

Students will turn in their form to the Cashier's Officer, and will receive their gift cards/ vouchers.

How many times can students request gift cards?

Students can request gift cards or vouchers from the BNRC once per semester. If they have additional need, they may be able to request more.

Can students choose which gift cards they receive?

Students can select a preference, but all gift cards & vouchers are subject to availability. Students cannot choose brand or type (ex. specific grocery store)

How long does it take to receive the gift cards?

On average, it takes about two to four weeks to receive the gift cards. This is not an immediate process.

Are there other ways to get gift cards?

Students can also attend workshops and events that may offer gift cards.

Housing Program and Resources

Riverside City College was one of fifteen California Community Colleges selected to participate in the College Homeless and Housing Insecure Pilot (HHIP) Program through the State Chancellor’s Office. Below are the steps to receive housing assistance.

Student Receives Housing info
- If a student seeks help or is referred, they will receive an email with BNRC housing information.
Complete Housing Survey
- This will begin the waitlist request process for HHIP/Rental Assistance.
Financial Aid Eligibility
- Ensure that the most recent FAFSA/Dream Act application is complete.
Approval Process for Waitlist
- The student is approved or declined pending enrollment verification.
Housing Referral
- If a space becomes available, the student will be formally referred to Path of Life Ministries to begin the housing process.

Our BNRC Supervisor/Specialist will work with students to determine which option is best for them.

Homeless & Housing Insecure Pilot Program (HHIP)

Goal: long-term stability and self-sufficiency

The three main components are:

1. Housing Identification to support individuals to exit homelessness

2. Rent/Move-In Assistance to help with the costs associated with getting into housing

3. Case Management to help stabilize people once housed and support academic success

Our local housing service provider is Path of Life Ministries.

HHIP is limited and currently at capacity.

Rental Assistance

Goal: short-term housing assistance

May be available to students who require immediate assistance. This is a short-term solution for students experiencing difficulty paying rent, typically due to a sudden change of circumstances (ex: loss of job)

Eligibility for rental assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Community Resources

Goal: emergency housing assistance

Community housing programs and organizations may be able to assist students who require more immediate help. All students are provided with a directory of these programs to contact on their own.

Each program has its own eligibility criteria

Can any student apply for housing assistance?

Any currently enrolled student can apply for our HHIP program or rental assistance. These students must remain enrolled in order to receive housing assistance through RCC services.

How do we select students for the HHIP program?

Students are selected on a first-come basis, with consideration of their self-reported survey information, financial aid eligibility, and enrollment verification.

Why is the HHIP program limited?

Our HHIP program has a maximum case management capacity. A placement in the program only becomes available when a student exits the program.

How long does the housing process take?

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how long a student may remain on the waiting list. Once students are referred to Path of Life Ministries, the placement time will be a maximum of 3 months, but this varies with each student.

Campus Resources

Career Closet Clothing and Professional Headshots Located in Portable 6 between Landis Theater and Technology A. (951) 222-8647	Shower Services Open 8 am-4 pm, Monday - Friday at the Wheelock Gym. Please contact, Elizabeth Villegas at 951-222-8968 or email Elizabeth.Villegas@rcc.edu for any questions.
Laundry Services For free laundry service, please contact, Elizabeth Villegas at 951-222-8968 or email Elizabeth.Villegas@rcc.edu for an appointment	Health and Psychological Services Health Clinic & Mental Health Open for In- Person Care by Appointment Only Bradshaw Building, Below the Bookstore (951) 222-8151
Transportation Download the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) GoMobile app to ride anywhere RTA travels. Traveling begins the first fay of the term for registered students. See RTA Go-Pass Program for more info.	Child Care Riverside County Office of Education. Some families may be eligible for cost-assisted child care. If you have questions: 800-442-4927 or RandR@rcoe.us

Resources for Student-Parents

At Riverside City College, we like to help all our students reach their full potential. Student-Parents at RCC can receive priority registration, take advantage of academic and health counseling, and join clubs and organizations across campus.

STUDENT-PARENT
RESOURCES Page

Additional Community Resources

Homeless Solutions Resource Guide: Hotlines, Housing/ Shelters, Showers, Resource Tools	Wellness Central A free online health and wellness resource that is available 24/7
Workforce Development Center Resume & job search assistance, skill assessment, employment plan	Therapy and Support Groups Find Group Therapy and Support Groups in Riverside, CA
Riverside University Health System Get tested, coping with stress, prescription services, virtual care	Rent/Utility Relief for Riverside County Community Action Partnership is a Division of the County of Riverside Department Housing and Workforce Solutions
Feeding America This is the largest charity working to end hunger in the USA.	Each Mind Matters Each Mind Matters is California’s Mental Health Movement. They are millions of individuals and thousands of organizations working to advance mental health. Browse their initiatives, collections and resources to find tools you can use to improve mental health.
CalFresh The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores.	Women, Infants, & Children Division (WIC) Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals to health care and other community services.

Important Documents

Basic Needs Resource Center Overview