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.

Student Support & Resource Navigation

We recognize that every student's situation and needs are different, so take a personalized approach to each case. Students seeking housing support will have the opportunity to meet with basic needs staff for one-on-one support, including assessment for internal programs and tailored resource referrals.

Resource information and referrals are provided in a wide range of topics that fall under basic needs, or are related to meeting one’s basic needs. We will always do our best to connect students to the resources they need, or to provide a warm hand-off to someone with more expertise in that area.

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

Recap
Into Spring 2026: Our Fall Recap
Hello Gators! For the last newsletter of the Fall 2025 semester, all of us here at Basic Needs would like to share with you…
Shadow of protesters
San Francisco’s Grassroots Efforts in Anti-Displacement Work
San Francisco’s Grassroots Efforts in Anti-Displacement Work  Article Written by Elizabeth Beltrán The Displacement of…
Picture of a Credit Card
What Credit Scores Really Mean & How to Improve Yours
For many students, the idea of a credit score can feel like a mysterious, random number assigned in each statement. A freque…
Student at on-campus farmer's market
Farmers’ Market on a Budget: CalFresh Matching Programs and Deals
Hey Gators! Are you a CalFresh recipient? The following guide explains how you can use your CalFresh benefits and score amaz…