What is OCC Cares?
Welcome to Orange Coast College Pirates' Cove Student Basic Needs Center. Our center is committed to your academic success, and we recognize that basic needs have a direct impact on your ability to thrive in the academic setting. We firmly believe that access to these needs is a human right, and we are committed to making it a reality for all students by providing resources like food, housing, clothing, financial support, CalFresh assistance, and more. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for any support you may need. Welcome to the community!
Support our OCC Basic Needs Center and help our students achieve their educational goals
Please select gift designated "Pirates Cove"
Did you know that Orange Coast College Students have access to free bus passes?
Click here for details and to download the OC Bus App.
To create your account, you must use your registered ORANGE COAST COLLEGE email address. Your pass will appear in the "My Ticket" section. Please note, you will be able access your free bus pass starting on the first day of each semester.
STUDENT ADVENTURE PASS FREE RIDE WITH METROLINK
STUDENT ADVENTURE PASS
INTRODUCING THE NEW STUDENT FREE ADVENTURE PASS. SIGN UP HERE
You have a lot to juggle, and getting to school shouldn't be one of your worries. That's why Metrolink is here to make your life easier with FREE rides for students. The Student Adventure Pass makes it easier to connect to opportunities and experiences throughout SoCal, by train. Oh yeah, and it's free.
STAY MOBILE WITH YOUR STUDENT ADVENTURE PASS
Getting your mobile Student Adventure Pass is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Download the Metrolink Mobile app
- Register an account using your school email.
- Verify your account via the confirmation email (check your spam folder) and you'll receive your Student Adventure Pass directly to your mobile to your mobile app wallet.
Grab your phone and valid student ID and you're good to go!
Where are you headed? Take the train to school, work, or adventures. With the Student Adventure Pass your ride is on us. Get on board.
HOW TO RIDE
Fall 2023 Hardship Grant
The OCC Cares Hardship Grant provides assistance to students who encounter unforeseen financial emergencies that disrupt their progress towards their educational goals. Requests can include academic-related expenses as well as non-academic-related needs. Please note Fall 2023 Hardship grant application will be closed by December 1, 2023.
OCC Cares Fall 23 Hardship Grant Application
OCC Cares Textbook Assistance Application is currently closed for Fall 2023. Please check back in early January 2024 for Spring textbook support.
OCC Cares Resource Request Forms
We know that many of our students face financial, physical, emotional, and/or academic challenges. Orange Coast College cares about our students' success and well-being during these difficult times. We are here to help. Please fill out our form and our staff will connect with you. After you submit the basic needs support form below, please check your OCC Student Email regularly for updates on your submission.
Click here to submit a request for Fall 2023 resources
Meet our OCC Cares and Pirates' Cove Pantry Team
Vivien McGrath
CalFresh Outreach Specialist
Pirates' Cove Food Pantry and Resources
(714) 432-6892 ext. 26892
Michael Robertson
Pirates' Cove Food Pantry and Resources
Steve Parker
Project Coordinator
Pirates' Cove Food Pantry and Resources
U.C.L.A. Alumni
(714) 432-0202 ext. 25813
***
The experience I gained from 38 years in the restaurant industry has allowed me to use that skill set to assist students in their path to success by relieving food insecurity. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the O.C.C. community and directly impact the lives of so many students on a daily basis.
Tuan Vo, M.S.W (He/Him/His)
OCC Cares/ Pirates' Cove Pantry/ Basic Needs Center Coordinator
(714) 432-0202 ext. 26492
*** I have been part of the Pirates' Cove and Student Basic Needs team since 2018. Working in this role has allowed me to connect directly with students and supporting them with campus and community resources for basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, etc. At OCC Cares we care for your well being and your academic success.
Jacqueline Maraya
OCC Cares Housing Specialist
(714)-432-0202 ext 23571
I have over 5 years of case management experience working with disadvantaged or underserved populations, including children, families, and the elderly. My most recent experience entails facilitating housing programs to help individuals and families who were homeless or at-risk of being homeless. I have an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University (Irvine Campus), and a B.A. in Social Ecology from University of California Irvine. I enjoy spending most of my time with my two dogs, Angel and Halo.
Additional Essential Needs Resources:
Make the most of the public resources available to you from state and county services:
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211OC: Dial or Text 211; OR call (888) 600-4357 toll free
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Orange County COVID-19 Hotline: A new Orange County hotline is now available for all inquiries related to COVID-19. Call 833-426-6411 or Text OCCOVID19 to 888-777