Sonoma State University
Basic Needs

Basic Needs Initiative

Student Emergency Basic Needs Initiative (BNI) Program

The SSU Student Emergency Basic Needs Intervention (BNI) Program is a comprehensive program that identifies and immediately serves some of SSU's most at-risk students, including our displaced students, food insecure students, and students experiencing an emergency or crisis.

At Sonoma State University, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. The Basic Needs Initiative (BNI) exists to ensure students have access to essential resources that support their health, stability, and overall well‑being.

BNI connects students to campus and community resources related to food security, housing stability, financial support, health care, and other critical needs—so students can focus on learning, growth, and success.

What Are Basic Needs?

Basic needs are the essential resources required for students to live, learn, and succeed. You may benefit from BNI support if you have experienced any of the following:

  • Difficulty affording enough food
  • Unstable or unsafe housing
  • Challenges paying for utilities, transportation, or medical care
  • Financial stress that affects your ability to focus on school

If you are unsure whether BNI is right for you, we encourage you to reach out—support is available, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

What the Basic Needs Initiative Does

BNI serves as a central point of connection for students navigating basic needs challenges. Through personalized support and referrals, BNI helps students:

  • Find housing and emergency financial resources
  • Connect with health, mental health, and wellness services
  • Locate campus and community‑based support programs

Our goal is to reduce barriers, simplify access, and ensure students know they are not alone.

Explore Basic Needs Services at SSU

Food & Nutrition Support

Lobo’s Pantry – Free groceries and basic food items for SSU students

CalFresh Assistance – Help applying for and maintaining food benefits

Housing & Financial Stability

  • Housing Support & Referrals – On-campus temporary transitional housing, Resources for housing stability and emergency options
  • Emergency Grant Assistance –  financial support for urgent needs
  • Financial Wellness & Education – Coming soon — budgeting, planning, and financial literacy resources 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Experiencing an unforeseen emergency, an extenuating economic crisis, or a catastrophic event.
  • Be currently enrolled at Sonoma State University as an undergraduate or graduate student.
  • Ability to demonstrate an urgent financial need (supporting documentation may be requested where appropriate).
  • Be able to meet with a Basic Needs team member
  • Ability to demonstrate that all sources of financial aid and assistance have been exhausted.  It is preferred that students have a completed FAFSA on file, but it is not required.  Students are not required to accept federal student loans.
  • California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is not required to determine eligibility.

Examples of unforeseen events — this list is not exhaustive: 

  • Living in your car, on the street, or temporarily staying with friends or family.
  • Under threat of eviction due to unexpected or extenuating circumstances.
  • Impacted by wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters.
  • Dental or medical emergency.
  • Car accident resulting in car repairs/loss of transportation.
  • Unpredictable change or extenuating financial challenges.
  • Victim of a crime or scam. 

How to Get Support

Getting help is simple and confidential.

Start by completing the Basic Needs Initiative application, which allows our team to understand your situation and connect you with appropriate resources.

Below you’ll find the various services offered through the Basic Needs Initiative at Sonoma State University, each with links for more information and support.

For questions about Lobo’s Food Pantry or CalFresh, feel free to reach out:
📞 Call: (707) 664-4282
📩 Email: [email protected]
📞 Alternate contact: (707) 664-2782

Basic Needs End of Year Report

Basic Needs EOY Report 23_24.pdf (1000.17 KB)

Basic Needs EOY Report 22-23.pdf (600.36 KB)