What is the OCC Basic Needs Center?
The OCC Basic Needs Center offers a variety of services to OCC students to help them meet their basic needs, which refers to the most essential resources required to thrive as a student. This includes access to nutritious food, clothing resources, stable housing, transportation resources, and financial wellness resources. We strive to offer support from a holistic approach to ensure you have what you need to succeed.
Contact Us
714-714-7481
Basic Needs Center (Forum) and Pirates' Cove 113 (Food Pantry)
Pirates' Cove (Food Pantry)
Currently enrolled OCC students (in credit or non-credit courses) can access the Pirates' Cove to pick-up free groceries, nutritious grab-and-go snacks, and personal hygiene items. Pick up snacks once per day, and groceries twice per week. Remember to bring your OCC I.D card when visiting.
The Closet
Located in the Basic Needs Center, the Closet offers donated clothing items to students in need. Functioning as a clothing donation site, it operates as a platform where individuals contribute gently used clothes. These items are then made available to students, providing them with access to professional attire, everyday wear, and seasonal clothing without financial burden.
General Basic Needs
The Basic Needs Center provides resources such as meal plans, hygiene products, and other direct aid to ensure that students have the necessities to succeed in their academic journey. The Center team also provides community referrals to housing support for students who are unhoused or at imminent risk of losing their housing. Eligibility for direct aid resources includes enrollment in OCC courses (a min. of 6 units), CA residency or AB540, current FAFSA or CA Dream Act on file, and receiving CA Promise Grant (CCPG). Eligible students must be in good academic standing with the Dean of Students.
OCC Basic Needs Hardship Grant
The OCC Basic Needs Center Hardship Grant provides direct aid assistance to students who encounter unforeseen circumstances that disrupt their progress towards their educational goals. The hardship grant is intended to cover costs associated with academics, child care, food, housing/living, and transportation.
Eligibility for the hardship grant includes, enrollment in OCC credit courses (a minimum of 6 units) in the current semester, CA residency or AB 540, a current FAFSA or CA Dream Act on file, and good standing with the College. Students may only receive a maximum of one hardship grant during the academic year. Students can receive a maximum award of up to $750.
Each request is subject to availability of funds, review, and approvals.
Hardship Grant Update: the Hardship Grant is closed the for the spring. It will open again in the fall.
Submit a Basic Needs Request