Basic Needs

Basic needs include food, housing, and assistance with utilities. Please use this website to navigate local resources, if you're an on-campus students, or if you you're an online student, use the Resources Beyond Central Louisiana section of each topic to find support near you.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Two general resources are recommended to anyone seeking assistance with food, housing, or utilities. First, try the United Way’s 211 program. Simply call 211 to be connected to a local United Way agency that can direct you to services in your community. Second, you can check your eligibility for a number of government-provided benefits here. The results of this 10-30 minute questionnaire will include a list of services you may qualify for as well as where to apply for them.

Food Security Resources

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Utilities & Financial Assistance

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Housing Insecurity

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Faculty & Staff Resources

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Food Security Resources

Campus Resources
Central Louisiana Community Resources
Resources Beyond Central Louisiana

 

 

 

Utilities & Financial Assistance

Campus Resources
Central Louisiana Community Resources
Resources Beyond Central Louisiana

 

 

 

Housing Insecurity

Central Louisiana Community Resources
Resources Beyond Central Louisiana

 

 

 

Faculty and Staff Resources

 

What are basic needs?*

Basic needs include food, housing, mental health, and financial resources, among others. Student basic needs security is critical for ensuring strong academic performance, persistence and graduation, and overall student wellbeing.

How Can I Help?

Referrals

Issues of food and housing insecurity can come with a significant amount of stigma. If a student does disclose that they are facing these challenges, you have several options to offer support. You can refer them directly to Student Engagement, complete a CARES: Student of Concern Form, or share this webpage with them.

Referral Steps:

  1. Thank them for sharing with you.
    1. “I’m sure it was hard to share that struggle with me; thank you for trusting me.”
  2. Acknowledge the challenge they are facing.
    1. “I can’t imagine how hard it is to focus in class when you are hungry.”
  3. Discuss options for support.
    1. “Did you know we have a food pantry in the Student Center?”
    2. “Student Engagement may be able to help connect you to local resources.”
  4. Follow-up to see if they accessed the resource or need more help.
    1. “Were you able to connect with Student Engagement?”

*Adopted and adapted from the Rutgers University Department of Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships.