What are Basic Needs?
Basic Needs refers to the food, stable housing, and wellness security of our students at Modesto Junior College as well as community members. We have support programs and resources that can assist our students in meeting their basic needs and promoting their academic success. Basic needs security has been shown to have a direct impact on the mental-emotional-physical health, wellness, academic performance, professional development, and holistic success of our students. MJC's Office of Basic Needs looks to increase accessibility to food, housing, mental wellness along with financial resources.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide students with the support programs and resources necessary to meet their basic needs, so students can focus on their academic success. Modesto Junior College is committed to providing an educational environment that fosters compassion and respect, welcomes diversity, and supports students in various circumstances, including students experiencing housing and food insecurities as well as other mental and emotional health needs.
Basic Needs Assistance
For assistance and support for the following:
- On-campus food resources
- Off-campus food resources
- Cal Fresh Application Assistance
- Personal Care, hygiene, and clothing
Visit the Pirates Pantry website and complete the Pirates' Pantry Application Spring-Summer 2024, now available!
For basic needs assistance and support for the following:
- Housing resources and referrals
- Mental Health Wellness Support & Information
Students must complete the Basic Needs Housing Resources Intake Form 2024, now available!
Free Services Related to Basic Needs
- Career Services - MJC offers career assistance focused on career exploration and professional readiness.
- Counseling - Academic, career, and personal counseling is provided as a service to all MJC students.
- MJC Financial Aid -Student financial services and guidance.
- FLOW - (Free Lunch On Wednesdays) An event hosted by students with the goal of treating other students to lunch.
- Health Services - MJC promotes the health and wellness of students through health education and services to optimize their overall well-being.
- Housing and Homelessness Resources - Support and guidance to housing, shelters, and emergency aid.
- Pirates' Pantry - We help meet the basic needs of students through the availability of free food as well as on and off-campus resources.
- TimelyCare 24/7 Virtual Care Services - Free mental health support.
MJC Pirate Housing Opportunity Grant (MHOPG)
The Pirate Housing Opportunity Grant (MPHOG) is reserved for student(s) who are at risk of losing their home; experiencing a brief, unexpected housing crisis or are homeless. This program is funded by Assembly Bill 74 College-Focused Rapid Re-Housing (AB 74-RRH). This is a state-funded program and current enrollment in Modesto Junior College is required; including a minimum of 9 units successfully completed.
“Homeless” and “Housing Insecure” means students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include students who are:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- Living in an emergency or transitional shelter
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Living in a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be actively enrolled in classes for the semester requesting the grant
- Students must be enrolled in credited courses
- Student must have a financial aid application on file with the MJC Financial Aid office: Either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- Student must have a Financial aid file completed (RP status)
- Students must have an unmet need
- Students must provide proof of need at the time of request such as:
- A notice of eviction, a letter from the landlord stating the student is behind on rent, a mortgage bill, a letter from a community agency, etc.
- If a student does not have supporting documentation, they will need a 3rd party letter from a professional
- If a student is not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, a grade check will be requested
- The Pirate Housing Opportunity Grant must be used for housing expenses only
- Students may request the Pirate Housing Opportunity Grant once in the semester and a maximum of 2 times. Student may appeal against a decision with proper supporting documentation, academic progress report, and mentoring.
Contact our office for more information.
Interested in joining our team as a Student Worker?
If you are eligible for the Federal Work-Study program or CalWORKs, you may apply for a Basic Needs student worker position by clicking on this link: