BASIC NEEDS RESOURCES

Virtual Assistance

Phone: 1-805-893-2786
Email: thrive@ucsb.edu
Chat: Click the green bubble in the bottom right corner to talk with a peer advocate.

In-Person Assistance

Please visit us at the Food Security and Basic Needs Advising Center (Nicknamed "SNAC") during our hours of operations.  No appointments are needed for in person support.  Hours are here.

We are located in the University Center, next to Jamba Juice and across from the Campus Store. Visitors and staff are required to wear masks in the center.

CalFresh Application

• 60 min. timeslot (most applications average 30-45min.)
• Recommended for: starting a CalFresh application and/or receiving guidance on applying for CalFresh
• Schedule a CalFresh Appointment

Basic Needs Advising 

• 30 min. timeslot
• Recommended for: To meet with a peer advisor who can help you to identify which basic needs resources might be the best fit for your needs and to receive advice on how to access those resources.  This could include food access, housing, finances, mental health, technology equity, and sense of community.  
• Schedule a Basic Needs Advising Session

SAR-7 (6 Month Renewal)

• 15 min. timeslot 
• Recommended for: Questions about your semi-annual report (SAR-7) for your CalFresh benefits. 
• Schedule a SAR-7 Advising meeting

Housing Advising 

• 30min. timeslot
• Recommended for: General questions about housing insecurity, finding housing options, help with applying for housing, or help for individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
• Please note if there are not enough upcoming appointments with a housing advocate, our Basic Needs Advising (to the left) can also help with most of these questions and issues.
• Schedule an Advising Session with a Housing Advocate