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Basic Needs Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Basic Needs Center

What does “basic needs” mean?
Basic needs are the minimum resources necessary for personal well-being, generally described as food, water, shelter, clothing and sleep. The Basic Needs Center works to provide access to essential resources for all students at CU Boulder to support students’ overall wellness.

 

Where is the Basic Needs Center?
Our office is in the University Memorial Center (UMC), room 458.

 

Who manages the Basic Needs Center and the Buff Pantry?
The Basic Needs Center and the Buff Pantry are run by our team of student and professional staff, with the support of many campus and community volunteers.

 

Requesting resources

How can I access resources?
Select the “Request Resources” tab at the top of our website, and complete the Student Support and Case Management (SSCM) referral form. You can also call us at 303-735-9938, stop by our office in UMC 458 or email us at basicneeds@colorado.edu.

 

Why does the website direct me to the Student Support and Case Management (SSCM) referral form to request resources?
The Basic Needs Center partners closely with several student services departments on-campus. We work directly with SSCM to process student requests and referrals through one referral form. SSCM and BNC review incoming requests together and determine which office is assigned to each case based on the student’s needs and situation. This collaboration with SSCM makes the intake process more efficient and decreases the number of touchpoints students must navigate to receive support.

 

What is Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)?
SSCM provides individualized support for students throughout their college career. SSCM takes a holistic, non-clinical case management approach to help students address myriad needs or personal life events that may impact their educational career. A case manager supports a student facilitating connections and navigating the resources and services available to them whether on campus or in the community. Learn more about SSCM.

 

I submitted a request for resources; when can I expect a response?
We strive to respond to requests in a timely manner. Be sure to check your email for a message from the Basic Needs Center or SSCM.

 

What if I have a question about a basic need that is not housing- or food-related?
The Basic Needs Center can only provide direct assistance for food and housing needs at this time. However, we provide referrals to campus and community resources that can support additional needs. Contact our office to see which resources are available for you.

 

I am in a situation lacking basic resources, but I am afraid to ask for help. What should I do?
We are here to help you! We strive to ensure that our office feels safe and welcoming for any student that needs assistance. Reach out to us in any way that feels comfortable for you.

 

I am concerned about another student/person’s well-being. What should I do?
You can submit a request for resources on behalf of someone else. Once we receive your referral, we will connect with the student in need without disclosing who submitted the request or requiring that they respond.

 

Experiencing basic needs insecurity can feel overwhelming and isolating. Let the student know you’re here to support them and there are resources available for them at CU Boulder. If the student needs support beyond basic needs, we can connect them to SSCM for long-term support.

 

Buff Pantry

Is there a limit on what I can receive from the Buff Pantry?
There is no weight limit on food distributed to Buff Pantry visitors. Our staff will weigh your food at the end of each visit to track how much we are distributing, but the weight of your food is not attached to your name in our database.

Where can I go when the Buff Pantry is closed?
Refer to the community resources page to see other food assistance programs and pantries are available within the Boulder area. Additionally, we recommend filling out a referral form to meet with one of our staff members so that we can determine how to serve your needs better.

 

Eligibility

Is financial aid documentation required to apply to programs such as the Buff Pantry?
Our programs are available to all CU Boulder students currently enrolled in classes, regardless of financial aid status. When visiting the Buff Pantry, please bring your Buff OneCard to verify your student status. If you need housing assistance, our staff may ask for financial aid information to support you.

 

Are CU Boulder staff eligible for the services and resources of the Basic Needs Center?
University staff can attend our mobile food pantries held once a month. Additionally, we can assist with connecting staff to community and governmental resources.

 

Will receiving benefits from the Basic Needs Center affect my financial aid?
Using our food assistance programs will not affect financial aid. If you need housing assistance, we will need to schedule a meeting to discuss potential changes to financial aid awards.

 

I am an undocumented or international student. What Basic Needs Center programs are available to me?
Except for some governmental assistance programs, all Basic Needs Center programs are available to undocumented and international students.

 

Supporting the center

How can I share information about the Basic Needs Center with others?
Thank you for advocating for the well-being of those around you; we appreciate your support! You can share information about our office with other students, classes and departments by requesting a presentation, referring a student in need or by visiting our office to pick up outreach materials.

 

How can I get involved?

We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities for students, staff, faculty and community members, including one-day events and long-term volunteer opportunities. Visit our volunteer page to learn more and sign-up. 

In addition to volunteering, there are many other ways to support the center, such as giving financially, donating items via our Buff Pantry Amazon wish list and emergency housing Amazon wish list, or participating in programs like Swipe It Forward.

 

Food resources

What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded food assistance program that provides nutrition benefits for qualifying families and individuals to support their food budget. The Basic Needs Center can submit SNAP applications on your behalf. Learn more or schedule a meeting with us.

 

Housing resources

I am about to lose my housing. What should I do?
Our staff can help connect students to emergency housing if needed. Please complete the referral form on our website or call our office at 303-735-9938. We strive to respond to requests in a timely manner. Be sure to check your email for a message from the Basic Needs Center.

 

Basic Needs Center

1669 Euclid Ave. Boulder, CO 80309
UMC 458  |  Buff Pantry: UMC 1B73
Phone: 303-735-9938
Email: basicneeds@colorado.edu

Support the Center

CU Boulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. Full CU Boulder land acknowledgment

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