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Welcome To Basic and Essential Needs Support (BENS)

Students’ One-Stop Resource for Basic and Essential Needs Support

ABOUT US

Every student deserves an environment that allows them to focus on their education. But, we understand that life's hurdles can sometimes get in the way. Whether you're struggling to find affordable housing, needing transport assistance, or searching for essential assistance programs, we're here to help.

SERVICES

  • Local Housing Resources
    • Housing Directories: A curated list of affordable housing options near campus.
    • Temporary Accommodation: Emergency housing resources for those in immediate need.
      Click here
  • Public Transportation Assistance
    • Discounted Transit Passes: Reduced fare options to keep your daily commute affordable.
      Click here
    • Free Transit Routes: Information on free shuttle services operating to and from the campus.
  • Assistance Program Screening
    • Eligibility Check: Determine your eligibility for local, state, and federal aid programs.
    • Comprehensive List of Programs: Including SNAP, WIC, mental health service agencies, legal aid, Medicaid, and more.
    • One-on-One Consultation: Personalized guidance to navigate the intricate world of assistance programs.
  • Emergency Food Resources
    • Campus Food Pantries: Get immediate access to nutritious meals on campus.
      Click here
    • Snack Packs: Grab-and-go packs for those in a hurry.
    • Hot Meal Programs: Collaborative efforts with local communities to offer free or discounted hot meals.
    • Grocery Store Cards: Assistance with essential grocery expenses.
  • Healthcare Services and Insurance
    • Healthcare Resource Guide: Navigating healthcare options, from clinics to mental health services.
    • Insurance Market Insight: Helping you understand and access the health insurance market efficiently.
  • Child Care Services
    • Off-Campus Child Care Centers: Safe and affordable options for student parents.
    • Subsidized Child Care Resources: Information on reduced-cost childcare services in the community.

GET INVOLVED

Whether you’re a student in need, an alumni wanting to give back, or just a concerned citizen, there are several ways to participate:

  • Connect: Connect with us by completing the intake form
    Click here
  • Donate: Every penny counts towards making a student's life easier
    Click here
  • Spread the Word: Help us reach more students by sharing our resources with your network.

INTAKE FORM

Accessing Assistance Made Easy

Every student's journey is unique, and we're here to provide the support you need, tailored to your individual circumstances.

Complete the Intake Form

The first step to accessing our range of essential services is to fill out our Intake Form. This comprehensive form allows us to better understand your current situation and needs. Whether it's housing, transportation, food resources, or any other assistance, the Intake Form is your gateway.

How it Works:
  1. Provide Essential Details: The form will request some basic information about your current situation. Rest assured, all personal details are kept strictly confidential and are used solely for the purpose of providing assistance.
  2. Tailored Assistance: Based on your responses, we will match you with the most relevant resources and services available.
  3. Personalized Follow-up: Once the form is submitted, a member of our team will reach out to you, guiding you through the next steps and ensuring you're on the path to getting the support you need.
Intake Form

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Let us help you navigate through these challenges, one step at a time.

CONTACT US

For immediate assistance or to learn more about our services, please get in touch:

The best way to get started is to complete our contact form .

Together, we can ensure that every student has the support they need to achieve their academic goals.
Your future starts here!

SINGLESTOP

Introducing SingleStop: Your Comprehensive Resource Hub

Navigating through the maze of resources available for student support can often feel overwhelming. That's why we've introduced SingleStop, a specialized program designed as a clearinghouse of available support resources to meet your basic and essential needs.

How SingleStop Can Help with Your Long-Term Goals:

  1. Centralized Resource Access: Instead of searching through multiple websites or offices, SingleStop provides a one-stop destination for all available resources tailored to your needs.
  2. Strategic Guidance: Beyond just immediate needs, SingleStop offers guidance on how to utilize these resources strategically to meet your long-term academic and career goals.
  3. Time-Saver: By consolidating resources, SingleStop helps you save time, allowing you to focus more on your studies and other pursuits.
  4. Empowerment: Knowledge is power. By being informed of all the resources at your disposal, you are better positioned to make decisions that align with your long-term aspirations.
  5. Building a Sustainable Path: With the right resources in place, you can work on creating a stable environment for your academic journey and beyond. Whether it's securing consistent housing or accessing regular healthcare, SingleStop ensures you're building a foundation for success.

Kickstart Your Journey with SingleStop:

To dive into the services that SingleStop has to offer, start by setting up your profile. This profile will be your key to unlocking a world of resources tailored just for you.

  1. Profile Setup: The initial step is easy. Fill out basic information about your current situation and goals.
  2. Customized Dashboard: Once your profile is complete, you'll receive a personalized dashboard that showcases all the resources best suited to you.
  3. Direct Links to Services: From your dashboard, you can directly access services, get detailed information, and even set up appointments where necessary.
SINGLE STOP

We believe in setting you up not just for immediate relief, but for lasting success. Let's journey together towards a brighter, more secure future.