What is Emergency Housing?
The goal of the Basic Needs Center’s Emergency Housing resource is to provide short-term emergency housing to students who are unhoused or are at imminent risk of losing their housing. The Basic Needs Center Team will conduct a needs assessment to determine the most appropriate intervention.
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Due to our limited resources, our extremely limited emergency housing is available to students in situations that often consist of safety concerns, extreme habitability issues, imminent evictions, staying/sleeping in a public place, in a car, or other extreme crisis situations, and with no resources to support alternative optionsUnfortunately, our program does not currently have temporary, transitional, or expected gap housing for students
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Available for a maximum of 29 days on-campus (w/ exceptions) or 5-7 days at a hotel depending on our assessment of need, fit, and availability
Eligibility
Currently enrolled students, including undergrad, grad, international, and undocumented students. Unfortunately, it is not available for unenrolled students, visiting scholars, extension students, staff or faculty
What is Not an Emergency Housing Situation?
Unfortunately, our program does not currently provide direct temporary, transitional, or expected gap housing for students
How to Get Support
Apply for emergency housing with the Basic Needs Assistance Form
Temporary & Short-Term Housing Resources
After Hours Emergency Housing Resources
The Basic Needs Center’s Emergency Housing program can be accessed during regular business hours (9am - 5pm) and is closed on weekends/holidays. For emergency housing needs during evening, weekend and holiday hours, please consider whether you have options such as family, friends, hotels/motels/Airbnb, etc. If you are unable to secure a temporary location to stay, below are options for local shelter resources:
Shelters and Community Resources
If you can not find temporary housing with family or friends and can not afford an emergency stay at a hotel/motel, please contact:
- Covenant House California (CHC): Oakland (for 18-24 year olds) - 200 Harrison Street, Oakland, California 94607. Phone: (510) 379-1010, Fax: (510) 379-1036
- Call/drop-in to the Berkeley Housing Resource Center (HRC) or call 211 (Eden I&R county-wide call center)
- Contact Bay Area Community Services (BACS) – 510.613.0330 or email bacs@bayareacs.org
- Call Abode Services – 510-657-7409 or email info@abodeservices.org
- See EBHO: Emergency Housing & Shelter Services
Other Emergency Needs
- Hygiene
- Meals/Food
- Food Now: Find local food pantries/hot meals near you, or call the Emergency Food Helpline at 510-635-3663.
- List of emergency meals/groceries/hot meals in Berkeley
- Alameda County Community Food Bank (foodnow.net) - Includes food delivery
- Berkeley Food Network
- Berkeley Food Pantry