Basic Needs Resources

Are you a student or family member looking for immediate assistance? The list below includes trusted resources and organizations that may be able to help with housing, financial, academic, and other basic-needs relief & aid.

Mental Health & Personal Safety

Teen Line
Non-profit, community based organization that provides peer-based education and emotional support to youth.

The Steve Fund
Free 24/7 text-based crisis counseling for students of color. Text STEVE to 741741.

The Trevor Project
Crisis counselors who are available for free 24/7 to support LGBTQ young people in need of emotional support. If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you are the victim of or if you are witnessing violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, or access a live chat by visiting the website. Their website also offers a directory of local resources and providers who can offer additional support.

Financial Support

JFLA
Interest-free loans up to $2,000 with no guarantor or up to $6,000 with 2 guarantors.

The Constance Fund
Emergency aid to college students and student groups for food, housing, child care, and other living expenses.

Technology

Human-IT
Helps low-income individuals & families connect to low-cost internet.

Housing/Utilities

Opportunity House
The Opportunity House, a 50-bed facility, will provide stability and support to resilient students in pursuit of their college degree. Students will experience a vibrant residential living and learning community that emphasizes interpersonal leadership, scholarship, and service to community. Eligible students must be age 18-24 and must be a currently enrolled student attending college or trade school in Los Angeles County.

Trojan Shelter
Supportive housing for college students near USC campus.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs.

Food/Groceries

CalFresh
CalFresh, EBT or SNAP is a food grant program in the state of California. It does not affect existing financial aid and students don’t need their parent’s tax returns to apply. The average eligible student gets up to $250 each month in benefits which can be used at select locations and stores.

Budgeting Resources

Budgeting and planning your expenses for each academic year can help you get ahead of any potential financial stressors. The following budgeting resources can help you plan your budget for the academic year and track your monthly expenses.

The Ultimate College Budget Guide
Overview of key expenses for colleges students, tips on how to approach budgeting and sample budgets.

8 Best Budgeting Apps from Nerd Wallet
Overview of free and fee-based apps to use to track monthly expenses.

Support Search Platforms

Other basic needs resources may be available to you. The following platforms will help you search for resources near where you live.

Win App
Free mobile and web app that connects ANYONE who is homeless or struggling to free resources and services.

One Degree
Search for supportive services in your area.

Aunt Bertha
Search for free and reduced cost services in your area.

Please note, we do not monitor the current status of each organization listed on this page. We provide this information based on past experiences and recommendations. We want this page to be of service to the public in times of need. Know a resource that could be helpful to others or see an out-of-date link?
Drop us a line and tell us about it: info@areterising.org.

Basic Needs Resources

Teen Line Non-profit, community based organization that provides peer-based education and emotional support to youth.

The Steve Fund Free 24/7 text-based crisis counseling for students of color. Text STEVE to 741741.

JFLA Interest-free loans up to $2,000 with no guarantor or up to $6,000 with 2 guarantors.

The Constance Fund Emergency aid to college students and student groups for food, housing, child care, and other living expenses.

Human-IT Helps low-income individuals & families connect to low-cost internet.

Trojan Shelter Supportive housing for college students near USC campus.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs.