UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of a University-wide network of support, caring and compassionate staff members are available at every campus to respond and support students who are experiencing food and housing insecurity. If you have experienced a challenge with accessing basic needs resources, the University encourages you to learn more about the resources that are available and to reach out for support.   

Nationally, college students are increasingly experiencing food and housing insecurity. Often an unseen challenge, food and housing insecurity can look different for everyone. For some, it can mean:  

• Skipping or stretching meals.  

• Having limited access to nutritious food.  

• Being uncertain about where your next meal will come from.  

• Being unable to pay rent, moving around frequently and living with others due to financial strain.  

• Becoming homeless, including due to a safety concern.  

Where to start:   

1) Student Affairs’ Basic Needs and Support website   

Penn State offers a range of resources and services to assist students who are experiencing food and housing insecurity. Whether you’re facing a one-time financial issue or dealing with a long-term challenge, students at every campus can access a range of resources, including support with public assistance programs.    

2) Student Care and Advocacy’s Basic Needs Assistance Intake Process  

There are staff members at every campus who are available to assist you, and there is no judgment if you are experiencing hardship. If you are experiencing hardship impacting your ability to access basic needs like food, housing, utilities, or medical care, reach out for support by completing the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form. After submitting the form, your information will be reviewed by the Student Care and Advocacy case management team and a case manager will be assigned to follow up with you.   

3) Food pantries and SNAP benefits 

It’s easy to access food and other items at campus food pantries. While you will need to show your Penn State student ID, staff and student volunteers are there to offer support and will respect your privacy. At University Park, the Lion’s Pantry will hold regular open hours throughout spring semester, and Cub Pantries are also available throughout campus to offer convenient pick-up locations.   

Students who qualify for SNAP benefits can utilize Market East, located in Findlay Commons (in East Halls). Students may qualify for SNAP if they have young children, have a disability, work 20 hours a week or more, are enrolled in community college or are in school less than half time, among other exceptions.  

Applying for SNAP benefits can be done by applying online using COMPASS, calling 1-866-550-4355, or contacting your local county assistance office. Student Care and Advocacy can also help students navigate available assistance programs. 

4) Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center  

The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center offers no-cost financial literacy resources to help students develop skills to manage financial resources, including personal one-on-one meetings, a mentoring program, self-study modules, and webinars and workshops.   

5) Counseling and Psychological Services  

Worrying about how to meet basic needs while juggling academic work, friends, family and more can take a toll on your mental wellness. If you need to talk to someone, the counseling office at your campus, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park, has a variety of services available to support you. In an immediate mental health emergency, students at every campus can call the Penn State Crisis Line (1-877-229-6400) or Crisis Text line (text “LIONS” to 741741)  for 24/7 support.  

Top FAQS:   

Q: Do I qualify for basic needs support services?  

If you are uncertain about your needs or unsure about the best office to contact, students at every campus can reach out for support by completing the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form. All Penn State students qualify for support from a case manager. Staff can help you understand if you qualify programs, will help connect you with the appropriate office or resource at your campus, and in some cases can help you complete the application process for programs.   

Q: Can I get help anonymously? Will my instructors, parents or friends know?  

The University strives to make accessing resources as private and seamless as possible. While staff will always do their best to uphold your privacy and protect your personal information, accessing resources cannot always be anonymous. To best support you, staff manage complex needs through a coordinated team effort and communicate with more than one office or department on your behalf to connect you with the appropriate resources. 

Q: What should I do if I’m dealing with an immediate or emergency housing situation?  

Whether you live on campus and need housing during a semester break, unexpectedly or temporarily no longer have a place to stay off campus, or are leaving an unsafe living situation, there are options available. For an emergency housing need, students are encouraged to reach out to the Center for Community Resources, which offers a 24/7 support and referral helpline. In an emergency, always call 911 or Penn State Police at your campus. Students at every campus can call or email Student Care and Advocacy (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for additional information.  

Q: How can I help a student who I believe is struggling with food or housing insecurity?  

If you are concerned about a student who may be facing financial difficulties, there are resources available to help you recognize when a student may be distressed, respond and provide support, and to refer a student.  

Getting involved:  

Students who wish to get involved in Penn State’s effort to support students facing basic needs challenges are invited to contact Students United Against Poverty to learn more.