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Crisis Response

UCSB recognizes that students may experience a variety of unique challenges and remains committed to supporting them. If you find yourself in urgent need of resources – be it food, housing, finances, or any other basic needs – know that there are campus/community solutions available to you.

Not sure where to start? Use this page as a roadmap for identifying what actions are right for your specific circumstances.

Food Assistance

⚠️ If facing immediate food stress, visit the AS Food Bank or Miramar Pantry to pick up staple items.

💬 To speak to someone about food resources, get in touch with a Basic Needs Peet Advisor & Calfresh Advocate online or in-person.

🔎 To learn about other options, explore the Food Section of our site.

Housing Assistance

⚠️ If facing urgent housing need, email Financial Crisis Response Team.

💬 To speak to someone about housing options, get in touch with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor online or in-person.

🔎 To learn about other resources, explore the Housing Section of our site.

Financial Assistance

⚠️ If facing immediate financial need, contact the Financial Crisis Response Team.

💬 To speak to someone about financial resources, get in touch with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor online or in-person.

🔎 To learn about other options, explore the Financial Section of our site.

Wellbeing Assistance

⚠️ If experiencing urgent psychological distress, call CAPS at (805) 893-4411 (this 24/7 line is also available after hours).

🔎 To learn about other mental health and wellbeing resources, explore the Wellbeing Section of our site.

RESPONDING TO URGENT CRISIS

If you’re working with a student in need and are concerned about their personal wellbeing, please refer to the Distressed Student Protocol to determine appropriate steps.

Referral Tips:

• Let the student know that you think they'd benefit from using campus/community resources.

• Assure them that it's okay (and common) to seek help when one is facing hardship.

• Together, identify resources that may be useful to the student and determine how to access them.

• Know where the Food Security and Basic Needs Advising Center is and be comfortable directing students to the Basic Needs Peer Advisors for in-depth advising.

Example Language:

• "It seems like this is an ongoing situation. Have you considered looking into campus resources for help? There are a lot of options available to students, and I think these ________ might be a good fit for you."

• "I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to talk to me about this. Why don't I connect you to a Basic Needs Advocate? They're well-trained on this topic and can help you come up with a plan."

• "I'll be honest, I'm not that familiar with this issue. Let's hop onto food.ucsb.edu and see if there are resources that might help you out."



distressed-student-protocol
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATION SERVICES

Student Mental Health Coordination Services is a readily accessible single point of contact for individuals concerned about a student in distress. The coordinators will consult about a student, provide referrals to campus departments, develop action plans, and follow up with students, staff, and faculty, as appropriate. SMHCS can provide a coordinated university response to a student in distress.


When to Contact the Coordinators

It is appropriate to contact Student Mental Health Coordination Services if you are working with a distressed student and you:

  • Do not know where to refer him/her
  • Would like to consult about possible responses to a student’s behavior
  • Notice a student’s behavior is making others feel uncomfortable
  • Believe there may be safety concerns in the future
  • Have called 911 because of a safety concern
  • Would like future follow up to know if the student is connected to appropriate support services
The Coordinators Will:
  • As needed, mobilize the Student Behavioral Intervention Team and/or the Students of Concern Team (may include Counseling & Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Office of Student Conduct, Residential & Community Living, Disabled Students Program, UC Police Department, and others)