Welcome to the Basic Needs Center

The Basic Needs Center (BNC) is SF State's Basic Needs Initiative that supports students’ ability to reach their full potential at SF State by providing food, housing and financial crisis support programs, services, and referrals.

Basic Needs Center stands in solidarity with everyone fighting for equality. Equitable access to housing, food, medical care, and education are critical, undeniable, and foundational elements of racial and social justice.

CalFresh Temporary Delay in Benefits

Due to the federal shut down, students that receive CalFresh benefits will have their benefits temporarily delayed. To learn more and to learn about resources available to you, please visit our announcement:

What does the Emergency Homeless Prevention Funds (HPF) Grant Provide? 

HPF provides one-time financial support for a student’s Housing and Food Security needs. Common support includes: 

  • One-time Emergency Rental Support (Eviction Prevention)  
  • One-time Move-In Deposit or First Month's Rent  
  • One-time support with temporary access to funds to pay for food 

*Please note HPF funding provides small, one-time awards. Grants would not exceed $1500 for those who are eligible. 

Eligibility requirements: 

  • A student must be enrolled at SF State University in the current semester 
  • A student must be experiencing an unexpected financial crisis associated with housing and food security, that has the potential to derail their educational opportunities 
  • A student must have a current FAFSA on file and have available remaining need for the semester.  
  • A student must explore other forms of support or resolution prior to requesting HPF support, this includes accepting all FAFSA loans.  

How do I request support from the HPF? 

Please complete the Basic Needs Request for Support Form and provide the necessary information. 

How long will it take to hear back after I submit my request? 

HPF requests are reviewed in the order received.  Please allow at least 4-5 business days for a response.  

 

For all grant request outside of the scope of food and housing security, please see the Hope Crisis website for support.   

Request Basic Needs Support

Fill out this form if you are experiencing a basic needs crisis

CalFresh Screener

Fill out this survey to see if you are CalFresh eligible

Wellness Screener

Fill this out to see what Basic Needs resources you might be eligible for

Outreach Request

Fill out this form if you want a team member to come to your event or class

More events coming soon!

News

Banker shaking hands with two people
Banking While Undocumented: Where and How to Start
Being an undocumented immigrant is challenging when trying to secure financial wellness. Having a bank account provides nume…
Two individuals being produce at the farmers' market
Spotlight on Free & Low-Cost Grocery Programs
Do you find that grocery prices are just too high? Are you in search of free and low-cost grocery programs? Read this articl…
Photo of change and newspaper clippings saying affordable housing crisis
Navigating SF’s Affordable Housing Lottery System
Entering the raffle for a toaster oven at an Associated Students event isn't so different from entering the city's affordabl…
Family standing in a grocery outlet
How Zoning Laws Affect Both Grocery Deserts and Housing Scarcity
Outdated Zoning Laws are a primary cause for grocery deserts and housing scarcity. Read this article to learn more about how…