Essentials Resources
Essentials Resource List
We want to make sure you can find the resources you need to have the daily essentials covered to be successful— from having healthy food, housing, and employment to accessing computers and the internet. The resources on this page are geared towards providing options for any student experiencing insecurity around food, housing, employment and access to computers and connectivity.
Local Resources and Services
Call 211 for referrals to social services and other assistance near you for health, housing, food, and disaster recovery.
Housing Support
If you are looking for resources that provide support for housing, check out the services in the following section.
HUD Exchange – Housing assistance if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Mortgage and Rental Assistance due to the coronavirus
Food Assistance
Food insecurity can affect anyone from any walk of life. If you are looking for resources for food assistance, reach out to the services in the following section.
SNAP Benefits – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
USDA Hunger Hotline
Call 866-3-HUNGRY or 877-8-HAMBRE (operates 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Text a question with a keyword such as “food” or “meals” with your zip code to an automated service at 914-342-7744
Unexpected Unemployment
Sudden job loss can bring any number of complications into your life. Use the resources in this section to start finding solutions to unexpected unemployment.
USA.gov – Connect to information about unemployment benefits in your state
Cara Collective – Develops employment pathways for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information geared towards employees requiring workplace accommodations for disability or health related issues.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can link you to the services and benefits in your state.
Computer & Internet Access
Having reliable access to the internet and the technology you need for class is essential for success. Use the resources in this section to find the services you need.
PCs for People a national nonprofit working to get low-cost quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income.
Affordable Connectivity Program helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
