What is the OCC Basic Needs Center?
The OCC Basic Needs Center offers a variety of services to OCC students to help them meet their basic needs, which refers to the most essential resources required to thrive as a student. This includes access to nutritious food, clothing resources, stable housing, transportation resources, and financial wellness resources. We strive to offer support from a holistic approach to ensure you have what you need to succeed.
Contact Us
Watson Hall 205 (Basic Needs Center) and Pirates' Cove 113 (Food Pantry)
Pirates' Cove (Food Pantry)
Access the Pirates' Cove - the Basic Needs Center's food pantry - to pick-up free groceries, nutritious grab-and-go snacks, and personal hygiene items. You pick up snacks once per day, and groceries twice per week. Remember to bring your OCC I.D card when visiting. Resources also includes emergency meal cards, and assistance with CalFresh.
The Closet
The Closet offers donated clothing items to students in need. Functioning as a clothing donation site, it operates as a platform where individuals contribute gently used clothes. These items are then made available to students, providing them with access to professional attire, everyday wear, and seasonal clothing without financial burden.
General Basic Needs
The Basic Needs Center provides resources such as food assistance, access to hygiene products, and direct aid to ensure that students have the necessities to succeed in their academic journey. The Center team also provides community referrals to housing support for students who are unhoused or at imminent risk of losing their housing.
OCC Basic Needs Request
OCC students who are facing challenges with accessing or meeting their basic needs, please complete the Basic Needs Request form. After completing this form, our team will:
- Connect you with supportive staff for a Basic Needs Consultation
- Provide individual resource suggestions and referrals to campus and community support
- Receive direct aid through the Hardship Grant or access to the Pirates' Cove Food Pantry or Clothing Closet
Eligibility for direct aid resources and the hardship grant includes, enrollment in OCC credit courses, CA residency or AB 540, a current FAFSA or Dream Act on file, and in good standing with the Dean of Students.