Basic Needs
The resources listed below may help enrolled students through an immediate crisis and prevent future financial emergencies. The most important action you can take is to reach out and ask for assistance.
To contact the Emergency Crisis Response Team in Financial Aid and Scholarships, please send us a written appeal via email to FAS-ECRTeam@ou.ad3.ucdavis.edu which explains your financial crisis. A financial crisis could include housing or food insecurity and certain medical circumstances. The team will respond within 24-48 hours acknowledging receipt, and addressing potential immediate options.
To help better assist you, please include the following in your email:
- Your student ID
- The circumstances regarding your financial need
- If applicable, any supporting documentation to help expedite the review process.
Resources
Financial
Aggies Helping Aggies
Aggies Helping Aggies provides emergency funding to students for rent, books, and other essential costs not covered by other programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid and Scholarships accepts applications for emergency, short-term, or assistant loans if you are experiencing a temporary shortage of funds.
Short-Term Emergency Aid Committee (STEAC)
STEAC provides food, housing, and financial assistance to low-income residents of Yolo County.
UC Davis Student Parent Childcare Funding Program
The Student Parent Child Care Grant program assists students with the costs incurred in childcare services (home/center care, nannies, babysitters).
Housing
Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center
The Aggie Compass is a comfortable space for students to build community and learn about basic needs resources, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, receive CalFresh enrollment assistance, and help find stable housing.
Community Housing Opportunities (CHOC)
CHOC Housing services include financial fitness, homeownership counseling, and health and wellness classes.
Davis Community Meals
Davis Community Meals provides a resource center and day shelter, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1111 H Street, Davis.
Additional Campus Resources
Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center
The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center is a comfortable space for students to build community, learn about basic needs resources, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, and receive CalFresh enrollment assistance.
ASUCD Scholarships
All continuing undergraduate students enrolled and in good academic standing at UC Davis are eligible for an ASUCD scholarship.
Handshake
Handshake connects UC Davis students with on-campus and off-campus employers.
Career Center
The Career Center connects students to resources for career preparation.
Safe Rides
The Safe Rides service is provided by the UC Davis Police Department and is available to anyone who prefers an alternative to walking alone or in a small group at night.
Student Disability Center
The Student Disability Center promotes independence and integrated participation in campus life for students with disabilities.
UC Davis Davis/Berkeley Shuttle
The intercampus bus service provides low-cost transportation between the UC Davis and UC Berkeley campuses for faculty, staff, and registered students.
UC Davis Medical Center Shuttle
The UC Davis–UC Davis Medical Center shuttle provides low-cost transportation between the UC Davis campus (Davis) and the UC Davis Medical Center (Sacramento).
UC Davis Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides FREE tax return preparation to low-income individuals and families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships
The UC Davis Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships office provides prospective and enrolled students with information and access to internal and external financial resources.
Unitrans
Unitrans provides public transportation service for the campus and city of Davis that is free to UC Davis students with valid student ID.
Food Security
Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center
The Aggie Compass is a comfortable space for students to build community, learn about basic needs resources, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, receive CalFresh enrollment assistance, and help find stable housing
Aggie Meal Share Program
Facilitated in partnership with UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services, the Aggie Meal Share program provides meals for students in need of assistance.
BenefitsCal
Complete an online application to see if you are eligible to receive help with household expenses, food, and medical costs.
CalFresh
The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.
Davis Community Meals
Davis Community Meals offers a free meal on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., and lunch on Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 640 Hawthorn Lane, Davis.
Fruit and Veggie Up!
Free produce for UC Davis students. Stop by the CoHo, flagpole entrance, and pick up seasonal, fresh, organic produce and eggs! This program is made possible by donations from UC Davis Student Farm and the Avian Research Facility.
- Day/Time: Tuesdays, 10am-12pm
- Cost: FREE
- Eligibility: All registered students
- Location: CoHo, flagpole entrance
The Pantry (check the website for the current schedule)
Show your UC Davis student identification card (AggieCard) to receive up to three meals or personal items per day.
Short-Term Emergency Aid Committee (STEAC)
STEAC provides food, housing, and financial assistance to low-income residents of Yolo County. Many programs are by referral only.
Yolo Food Bank
Assists any Yolo County resident in need of food assistance.
Mental Wellness
Aggie Mental Health
This new website is a one-stop shop for student mental health resources. It is meant to be utilized by students, staff, and faculty as we work together to collectively raise awareness about mental health.
Center for Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE)
UC Davis Center for Advocacy, Resources, and Education provides free, confidential crisis intervention, advocacy, and accompaniment services to any UC Davis student, staff, or faculty member. A victim advocate is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency response.
Student Health and Counseling Services
Student Health and Counseling Services provides counseling and urgent medical and mental health care services.
County, State, and Federal Resources
Affordable Connectivity Program
(The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021.)
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. For details on eligibility and application steps, visit Affordable Connectivity Program.
California LifeLine
California LifeLine provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualified households.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To be considered for financial aid, students are required to file either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. If you have been awarded a financial aid package and are experiencing a financial emergency, contact Financial Aid and Scholarships. Your emergency may qualify you for increased aid.
Yolo Center for Families
The Yolo Center for Families manages a network of resource centers that provide programs and services comprising health education, homelessness prevention and re-housing, economic self-sufficiency, parent education, and support.
Yolo Community Care Continuum
Provides local housing with support programs for people experiencing a psychiatric disability.
Yolo County Health and Human Services
Provides a wide range of health care, social, mental, and public health services, employment services, and income assistance.