Basic Needs Emergency Funds
What are Basic Needs Emergency Funds?
The basic needs emergency fund program is designed to provide emergency funding to students experiencing crises and financial emergencies impacting their basic needs. Most commonly, this centers food and housing emergencies. These funds are used as an escalated resource in conjunction with alternative resources and/or referrals. Other avenues will be explored with students prior to assessment for distribution emergency funds and following distribution as this is not a recurring resource.
Please note that if eligible, the level of funding awarded to a student will be assessed based on documentation of the expense or in some cases, our department will follow standardized costs assessment. For example, food cost is estimated for this resource in alignment with the monthly CalFresh benefit household caps and would be distributed in increments depending on the situation the student and their household is navigating.
Examples of expenses that can be considered for basic needs emergency funds cards are below. This is not an exhaustive list, and every request will be assessed for eligibility.
- Emergency Food Access
- Emergency Housing Need
- Parenting Supplies (if unavailable from department resources)
- Transportation Support (when OneCard transportation benefits are not active)
- Emergency Healthcare Cost (such as unexpected medication or lab cost)
- Housing Application Fee Assistance
Eligibility requirements:
- A student must be enrolled at San Francisco State University in the current semester as a matriculated student demonstrating progress towards graduation.
- A student must be experiencing an unexpected financial crisis or emergency associated with their basic needs, that has the potential to derail their educational opportunities.
- A student must explore other forms of support or resolution beyond Basic Needs emergency gift card funds and demonstrate commitment to stability planning.
- A student should be in good conduct standing with the University.
How do I request support from the basic needs emergency funds?
Please complete the Care & Support Request Form, select the area of support that is your most urgent need, and provide information on the financial need you're seeking support for.
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 2-4 business days for a response.