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Basic Needs Program

Clark College supports academic and personal success!

Basic needs of students in higher education consist of food, water, housing, clothing, physical health, mental health, childcare, transportation, access to technology, and other needs that students may face difficulty with, and that hinders their ability to begin or continue their enrollment in school.

Clark College and the city of Vancouver provide a comprehensive system of basic needs services to support the personal and academic success of students. The Basic Needs Program is here to help you better navigate and understand all the resources that are available to you.

Let's get your basic needs fulfilled

If you are a Clark College student who is facing challenges with access to adequate food, stable housing, affordable childcare, or meeting other basic needs, please fill out our Basic Needs Intake Form. Once an intake form is submitted, a Basic Needs Team Member will reach out with personalized support.

Fill out your intake form to get support for your basic needs

Start Here! to fill out your intake form

Hours

  • Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location

Gaiser Hall
Room GHL 216

Contact

A staff member helping a student reach for an item

Basic Needs Resource Inventory

Are you confident in navigating basic needs resources on your own? Take a look at our Basic Needs Resource Inventory to explore the options available to you both on and off campus.

Explore the Resource Inventory

Feel free to download a copy of your own for reference!

Basic Needs Resource Inventory PDF

Meet the Team

The Basic Needs Team is eager to connect with our students, support them in accessing Basic Needs resources, and cultivate their sense of belonging here at Clark College. 

Caitlin Malvar

Basic Needs Navigator

Meagan Montalto

Basic Needs Program Specialist

Pearl Brown

Basic Needs Program Specialist

A dog with a collar, sitting calmly and looking directly at the camera.
Basic Needs Program's therapy dog, Oso

Oso

Oso and his owner, Caitlin, are a certified Therapy Dog Team. He will be in the Basic Needs Hub to help bring comfort and support to the campus community. Come say hi!

When Oso isn't working hard in the Basic Needs Hub, he loves to hike, go to the coast, chase squirrels, and snuggle with his black cat sister, Luna.

If you plan to visit the Basic Needs Hub and prefer not to see Oso or have any allergies, please reach out to basicneeds@clark.edu, we are happy to accommodate your needs.

We are in Gaiser Hall, room GHL 216

The Basic Needs Hub is open to all Clark College students, staff, and faculty. Come grab a coffee, a snack, and take a break. We also have computers, printers, and school supplies to help you get your homework done. If you need supplemental pantry items or hygiene products, come look at what we have in stock!

Visit the Basic Needs Hub

A group of three students walking out from the Gaiser Hall building at Clark College

Get Involved!

Get involved with the Basic Needs Program and make a real impact on students' lives! By supporting access to essential resources like food, housing, and financial assistance, you'll be helping to create a more inclusive and compassionate campus. Whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, your involvement will empower students facing challenges to succeed and feel a sense of belonging.

Come By and Visit the Basic Needs Hub

We are in Gaiser Hall, Room GHL 216

The Basic Needs Hub is open to all Clark College students, staff, and faculty. Come grab a coffee, a snack, and take a break.

Visit the Basic Needs Hub
Let's Plan an Event Together

Are you a community member on or off campus and want your organization to collaborate with the basic needs program?

Please reach out to basicneeds@clark.edu, we would love to partner with you!

Email Basic Needs
Basic Needs Referral Form

If you're assisting a student who is struggling with access to food, housing, transportation, financial support, health services, childcare, or other basic needs, please complete the Basic Needs Referral Form. This form connects students directly to our program for personalized support.

Refer a Student

Thank you for your support!

All donations are used to stock the Basic Needs Hub with food, hygiene products, school supplies and other basic needs to give to Clark College students for free.

Thank you for donating. You play a huge part in student success and retention on our campus.