OtterCare

Basic Needs

Helping You Meet Life’s Essentials

At Cal State Monterey Bay, every student deserves the basics to stay healthy and do well in school. The OtterCare team helps students get food, housing, health care and emergency money when life gets hard.

Many CSUMB students face serious challenges. More than half have had trouble getting enough food. Nearly 16 out of every 100 students have had no safe place to live during the past year. These problems make it harder to stay in school — and that’s why we’re here to help.

The OtterCare team offers support one-on-one. We connect students to on-campus programs and off-campus resources. We work with care to find solutions that meet each student’s needs.

If you or someone you know needs help, start by filling out the OtterCare Referral Form . You can also email us or make an appointment via OtterNavigate to get support. 

Basic Needs
Key Services

Care Coordination allows for students' to have 1:1 meetings with our Care Coordinators and MSW interns. Our team is available to support your Academic, Financial, and General well-being, in addition to your physical and food security. We are here to help you succeed! 

The Hub is CSUMB’s on-campus food pantry. It’s located in Building 12, Room 152. Students can pick up groceries, produce and snacks, and talk with staff about other resources.

CalFresh gives monthly grocery money to students who qualify. It helps stretch your budget and makes it easier to buy healthy food. We can help with checking if you qualify and filling out the application.

Unlock more support with a free membership to The Hub

Parenting Otter Program allows for students with dependents to connect with other parents on campus and to build a strong community along with the Family-Friendly Student Organization.

Financial Wellness Clinic is available to help students through all of the financial needs of university life. Students can meet 1:1 with Financial Wellness Clinic interns to create a budget, learn about credit, and discuss the Emergency Fund offers one-time help for students going through a crisis, like a medical bill or housing issue. Our team works quickly and with care to support students stay on track financially.

 

OtterCare Services

Food Security and Support

Supporting Students' Food Security through a variety of services

Programs and Workshops

OtterCare offers a wide variety of programs and workshops to support your student success. Whether it be family-friendly, financial wellness, yoga or soundbath - our programming aims to support all 8 dimensions of wellness.

Basic Needs

Stay Connected

The OtterCare team is here for you.

Help is Available

Get connected with the resources that can help you stay well, secure and on track.