Basic Needs refers to the food, housing and overall wellness security of our community. Having one’s basic needs met has a direct impact on the academic performance, mental health, physical health, professional development and holistic wellbeing of our students.
Mission
The CSUMB Basic Needs Initiative endeavors to support students to be successful by ensuring their basic needs are met through resources, access and advocacy.
If you know of anyone that would benefit from more access to resources, please complete our Basic Needs referral form.
Emergency Community Resources:
Due to COVID-19 and the current "shelter in place" order for Monterey County, the Student Center and the Hub are currently closed. Below are some community resources that are available to students. Please continue to check this page as information and resources are continually being updated.
The Hub
The Hub Services:
- Case Management (1:1 consultations)
- CalFresh Application Assistance
- Otter Eats Text Enrollment
The Hub Resources:
- Starbuck's Perishables
- Non-Perishables (e.g. canned goods, dried beans, rice, pasta, etc.)
- Food Vouchers
The Basic Needs Hub serves as a space for students to connect with resources to assist them with meeting their basic needs and to empower them to be successful, connected members of the student body and community at large. These resources focus on removing barriers to student success, particularly those related to food or housing insecurity, financial concerns, and emotional well-being.
Temporarily Closed
For questions or to make an appointment, please contact Ashley Ramsden, Basic Needs Coordinator.
Meet the Staff
Ashley Ramsden
Basic Needs Coordinator
Currently Living: Marina, Ca
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Currently Listening to: The Chicks and "It Was Said" podcast
Why Basic Needs?: I have long believed that access to education is a life-changing opportunity and one that should be available to anyone, regardless of background, identity, or family status. I am so happy to be able to work with students to make sure their basic wellness security needs are met and to remove those barriers that may prevent them from obtaining their goal of higher education.
Joanna Snawder-Manzo
Care Manager
Currently Living: Marina, Ca
Favorite Food: Sushi and most creatures of the sea
Currently Listening to: Lizzo and The Happiness Lab podcast
Why Basic Needs?: When I joined the CSUMB community in December of 2015, I became quickly aware of what the barriers for so many of our students are: having their basic needs met. A lack of wellness security permeates all aspects of existence. We are no longer in an era where the narrative of a "starving college student" can be laughed off as a rite of passage. Our students are in need and it is our duty to support them. I repeatedly observe how the additional resources and support can make the difference in the persistence of our students and the actual goal, which is student success. Over the years we have worked hard to build up the resources in this critical area and am thrilled to see where we are now!
Misha Arnold
Collaborative Health and Human Services Intern
Currently Living: Monterey, Ca
Favorite Food: Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Currently Listening to: Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Why Basic Needs?: As a public health student, I love being an advocate for wellness in our CSUMB community. I believe that every aspect of life can be improved with good health. When our basic needs for food, housing, and well-being are met, we have the ability to thrive in academics and follow our passions. My passions are for nutrition and social justice, so I am excited to help students access resources that increase food security and provide healthy opportunities!
Mayra Ortiz
Basic Needs Student Assistant
Currently Living: Salinas, Ca
Favorite Food: Sushi
Currently Listening to: Star Talk by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Why Basic Needs?: To help out my fellow scholars and connect them to the plethora of resources offered at CSUMB. I have been in difficult times and have faced basic needs challenges and know what it is like to go through it alone. I want to be a helping hand and let students know it happens to almost everyone at some point in their life and it is not something to be ashamed of.
Sabrina Lee
Basic Needs Student Assistant
Currently Living: East Campus Apartments
Favorite Food: Anything spicy!
Currently Listening to: Rise Up by Andra Day
Why Basic Needs?: From working in the cafeteria in elementary to get free meals, to starving in middle school due to unaffordable lunches, to skipping lunch in high school, food insecurity has always been close to my heart and a humbling reminder that change needs to be made. With this position, I’ve had the pleasure to help students meet their needs and physical/mental wellbeing and break out of the negative stigma of being on welfare. My only goal is to continue helping people in my future occupation!