Basic Needs

Learn About Food, Housing and Transportation Resources

Explore Basic Needs

Learn about services on and off campus that offer housing resources, food security programs and transportation access for students and students' families.

Learn about resources and access for Basic Needs at SMC.

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Step One: Learn about SMC's Basic Needs Program

Students’ basic needs include access to nutritious and sufficient food; safe, secure, and adequate housing – to sleep, to study, to cook, and to shower; healthcare to promote sustained mental and physical wellbeing; affordable technology and transportation; resources for personal hygiene; and childcare and related needs.

SMC's Basic Needs Program is here to help you connect with food, housing & transportation resources on & off campus ( a whole basic needs ecosystem to support your academic success!). Learn more about SMC's Basic Needs staff and services by visiting SMC's Basic Needs Program homepage.

Step Two: Understanding Food Security & Resources

Food insecurity is being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food; this can be due to lack of money and/or access to resources. SMC offers a variety of food resources on campus and off campus! To learn about about CalFresh, SMC's Bodega (Food Pantry) Program and SMC'S Meal 2.0 Project, please visit Basic Needs Program Website:

Food Security Website

Meal Project 2.0 Homepage

Students can also email Foodsecurity@smc.edu for additional assistance and more information.

Step Three: Understanding Housing Security & Resources

Housing insecurity refers to challenges in:

Cost of housing
Couch Surfing (periodically staying with friends)
Inability to pay rent and/or utilities
Poor housing quality
Overcrowded and/or unstable neighborhoods
Evictions
Unsafe home environment or need to escape an unsafe housing situation

Safe, comfortable, and convenient housing is essential to success in college. Although SMC does not have student housing, please review the information on this page for local housing options and tips.

Emergency Housing Information is available for SMC students to access resources in the community. Emergency Shelter, Housing Assistance, Safe Parking options can be found on SMC's Housing Resources website.

Housing Newsletter

If you are looking for information on finding housing, housing tips or getting started with living arrangements with SMC's Weekly Housing Newsletter, check out the Housing & Commuting Guide.

Step Four: Transportation Resources for SMC students

We know how important it is to be able to get to campus in a safe, reliable, affordability way. SMC students benefit from many transportation resources, parking services and even a safety escort service! To learn about about all these options, visit SMC's Parking & Transportation Website

Basic Needs offers a variety of ways to connect to on-campus and off-campus resources and support.

Basic Needs: Contact Information

Students can request to see a Basic Needs counselor by completing the appointment request form available online! Visit the Basic Needs homepage and learn more about Basic Needs Program and resources.

Phone: 310-434-3100

Email: foodsecurity@smc.edu

Basic Needs Program Website

Basic Need Program: Meet the Team

Basic Needs: Appointment Form

Basic Needs: Food Resources

A Resource Specialist is available to meet with students virtually through zoom or by phone to address food security needs. Email: foodsecurity@smc.edu for questions and support.

SMC Food Resources

Community Food Banks & Resources

CalFresh Application

SMC Meal Project 2.0

Basic Needs: Housing Resources

The Los Angeles County CES (Coordinated Entry System) facilitates the coordination and management of resources for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. To access these housing resources, click on the links below for more information.

Off Campus Housing Resources

CES Access Center Directory

Safe Parking Resources

The Safe Parking programs provides vehicle dwellers with a safe and legal place to park and sleep at night and can be accessed by contacting or visiting a service provider in your area.

Safe Parking LA

LAHSA

Basic Needs: Transportation Resources

Learn more about transportation options to get to and from campus, intercampus bus schedules, bike maps, SMC escort services and many more transportation resources for SMC students!

Want a more personalized trip planner? Explore more options using Commute.smc.edu. It provides all options (bike, walk, transit, carpool, and car) in one screen, including costs, time, route maps, calories burned and CO2 emitted.

SMC Big Blue Bus Map

SMC Intercampus Shuttle Schedule

Bike SMC

SMC Buses, Trains & GoPass