Basic Needs Resource Center (BNRC)

RCC Students

The Basic Needs Resource Center (BNRC) is available to all RCC students in need. The BNRC aims to help supplement basic needs and promote sustainability for overall student wellness and success. Basic needs include food security, housing security, and mental health and wellness resources that allow students to thrive.

In Need of Support? 

If you're seeking assistance, please fill out the Student Needs Intake Form. This form offers a private and secure way to share your needs with our Basic Needs team. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete, and you only need to submit it once each semester. Rest assured, all responses are confidential and will be used to connect you with additional support services, including extended access to the Food Pantry, housing assistance, and meal tickets or gift cards (when available).

Student Needs Intake Form

Clip art- people carrying boxes of food and stacking them

Food Support

 
Red heart with a housing outline, hands cupping the house/heart

Housing Support

 

Clip art of people walking up large block stairs, they're helping each other

Additional Support Services

 

Food Support

Our mission at the Basic Needs Resource Center is to support students experiencing food insecurity, ensuring that no student goes without access to essential nutrition. For any student seeking food support, our Food Pantry is open, and snacks are available in Academic Engagement Centers to help bridge the gap. We are here to assist, and we encourage students to utilize our resources as needed.

Basic Needs Food Pantry

The Basic Needs Food Pantry provides grocery-style food support to students in need. Typically, students can access the pantry every two weeks. If a student indicates a higher need through our intake form or by notifying our team, we can increase their access to pantry services.

Eligibility:

  • Check iconMust be actively enrolled in the current semester.
  • Check icon Present a student ID during each visit.
  • Check icon We encourage students to bring reusable bags for sustainability.
  • Check-In: Upon arrival, check in with your student ID at the front desk. If there’s a line, please wait at the orange benches in the Kane Building without blocking the Financial Aid counter or Cashier's Office.
  • Shopping: When it's your turn, a Wellness Ambassador will assist you. Select your items, following limits on specified goods. All items are labeled with quantity limits. Please take loose items, not packaged boxes.
  • Check-Out: Once finished, Wellness Ambassadors will bag your items and return your cart.

We are committed to providing a positive experience for all students and appreciate your cooperation with the following guidelines:

  • Respectful Communication: Our staff is here to help and works hard to serve everyone. Please be patient and courteous.
  • Staff Availability: Staff are available during pantry hours. Please plan your visits accordingly.
  • Consideration for Others: Be mindful of others by following guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for all.

Updated Pantry Hours (Effective September 30, 2024):

  • Monday: 8 am - Noon
  • Tuesday: 8 am - 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm (*subject to food deliveries)
  • Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - Noon
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Pick Up, Fuel Up: Pop-Up Booth!

Can’t make it during pantry hours? Order a pre-made grocery bag for Monday or Friday afternoon pick-up (Noon - 4:30 pm.) near the Bookstore. Orders must be placed by 10 am on the day of pick-up. This will count as a weekly pantry visit.

Bring your student ID for pick-up.

Pick-Up, Fuel-Up Order Form

Need CalFresh support?

Check out the CalFresh Outreach Van for help with your application, status updates, and answers to your questions!

  • Dates: October 2, 16, 30 | November 13, 27
  • Time: 10 am-2 pm
  • Location: Between the Quad & the LHSS Engagement Center

Housing Support

The Basic Needs Resource Center supports RCC students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Homelessness includes:

  • Staying in shelters or transitional housing.
  • Temporarily living with friends or family ("couch-surfing").
  • Staying in hotels, motels, or unsheltered locations like cars or outdoors.
  1. Community Resources Access: We provide a directory of community housing programs. Each has its own eligibility criteria.
  2. Short-Term/One-Time Housing Support: Available to students facing sudden financial difficulties (e.g., job loss). Eligibility is determined case-by-case.
  3. RCC Housing Program: Funded by the HHIP grant, this program offers housing identification, rental assistance, and case management. Currently, the program is at capacity.
  • Housing Info: If you indicated a housing need on the Student Needs Form, a team member will contact you. For urgent housing needs, please schedule an appointment.
  • Housing Survey: Complete the housing survey to initiate the assistance process.
  • Eligibility Verification: You must be enrolled and have a completed financial aid application (FAFSA/Dream Act).

Additional Support Services

Personal Hygiene Support
The Basic Needs Resource Center offers essential hygiene items like feminine products, dental hygiene supplies, deodorant, and more. Free laundry and shower services are also available by request. To schedule an appointment, email BasicNeeds@rcc.edu. Supplies are provided during your visit.

Additional Resources:

Connect with our 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