The Basic Needs Center is committed to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status. The resources below provide urgent relief for the basic needs of undocumented students, but is not exhaustive.
If you have further questions, please complete the assistance form.
Food
CalFresh is a federal program currently not available as a food resource for undocumented students, but the resources below remain available to you:
- Basic Needs Food Pantry: an emergency food relief supply for all UC Berkeley students (undergraduate and graduate), staff, visiting scholars, and postdocs. We offer pantry staples such as rice, pasta, milk, cereal, frozen proteins, and fresh produce. Visitors are welcome to visit up to once per week, by joining the virtual line. You can take as much as needed while being mindful that it is a shared community resource for emergencies. See our website for open hours and to sign-up for the virtual line.
- Additional Food Resources
- The Bear Pantry: emergency food relief for low-income student families living in University Village Apartments
- Food Now: find food pantries near you, or call the Emergency Food Helpline at 510-635-3663
Housing
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Emergency Housing: short-term emergency housing for students facing an imminent loss of housing or currently unhoused
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Financial support for housing needs through the Basic Needs Emergency Fund
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Housing Security Deposit Award): Financial support for students facing severe housing insecurity and need assistance in paying security deposits to secure off- or on-campus housing
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Emergency Rental Assistance: Short-term assistance with one month's rent
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Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board: Obtain information about tenant rights, resources, and responsibilities from a Housing Counselor with the Berkeley Rent Board.
Finances
- USP Emergency Grants: emergency grants for housing, food, medical, dental, computer, and other unforeseen costs. Available for undocumented Dream Aid recipients that are not receiving federal financial aid and loans
- USP Scholarship for non-DACA Students: scholarship to undocumented students who do not have the ability to work
Health Care
- Health Opportunity Fund: funds to use for Tang Center services, available for Dream Aid recipients
- Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): UC Berkeley insurance available regardless of immigration status
Mental Wellness
- USP Mental Health Refund Application: refund for insurance co-pays for any mental health expenses (therapy, medication, ADHD evaluation, etc.) that were paid out of pocket, up to $1200 per aacdemic year
- USP Mental Health Support Program: confidential space to be seen by a licensed therapist to develop a wellness plan that may include one-time drop in counseling, crisis management, on-going sessions, and connection to other campus resources.
More Support @ The Undocumented Student Program
The Undocumented Student Program provides guidance and support to undocumented students at Cal. Resources include, but are not limited to, academic advising, legal support, emergency grants, mental health support, and more.