Food Resources

On Campus

• Pirate Pantry
• Neighborhood Market

Community Opportunities

• Saint Anne’s Parish Food Pantry
  271 S Wallace Street, Porterville, CA 93257
  Phone: (559) 783-8018
  Wed–Thu: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• Porterville Area Coordinating Council, St. Anne’s Food Pantry
  368 East Date Avenue, Porterville, CA 93257
  Phone: (559) 793-0213
  Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Altruistic United Humanity Association Food Pantry
  219 North E Street, Porterville, CA 93257
  Phone: (559) 361-1930
  1st Thursday of every month: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Iglesia Emmanuel – Porterville Food Distribution
  185 South Leggett Street, Porterville, CA 93257
  Phone: (559) 781-9690
  3rd Friday of the month: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Kitchenette

The Basic Needs Center is a welcoming space created with students in mind, offering a comfortable place to take a break, recharge between classes, and access everyday essentials that support your well-being and academic success.

Our kitchenette is available for all students and includes:

• Microwave to heat up meals and snacks
• Coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee
• Refrigerator for temporary use while in our center
• Ice machine for cold drinks or filling your reusable water bottle
• Toaster for preparing simple meals or snacks
• Sink for washing dishes and keeping the space clean

The Basic Needs Center is more than just a place to grab a snack or warm up lunch—it is a space where you can refuel, reset, and feel supported throughout your day. Stop by to enjoy a cup of coffee, prepare your lunch, connect with campus resources, or simply relax in a welcoming space. We are here to help make your time on campus a little easier so you can focus on reaching your goals.

Clothing Closet

The Clothing Closet provides currently enrolled students with access to free, gently used donated clothing to help support their basic needs and personal success. Through the generosity of campus and community members, students can access a variety of everyday and professional clothing options designed to promote confidence, comfort, and preparedness.

Our goal is to make essential clothing resources easy to access while creating a welcoming space where students can find items that support their personal and academic journey.

To help ensure resources are available for all students, distribution limits apply:

• Students may receive one top and one bottom per month.
• Due to limited inventory, all other non-clothing items are available once per semester.

Staff are available during your visit to answer questions, explain guidelines, and assist you in finding what you need.

Laundry Area

The laundry area is available to currently enrolled students as a resource to help support everyday needs and overall academic success. The space includes one washer and two dryers and is available at no cost in a clean, shared environment designed for student use.

To help ensure all students have access to this resource, laundry sessions are limited to two hours. Appointments are recommended to help reduce wait times, but they are not required. While using the laundry facilities, students are asked to remain in the center and promptly remove their laundry once cycles are complete, so the machines are available for others.

Laundry detergent and dryer sheets are available for student use while supplies last. Students are encouraged to bring their own laundry basket or bag and follow any care instructions needed for their clothing.

If you have questions about the laundry area or would like assistance scheduling an appointment, please contact the center.

Community Partners

The Basic Needs Center partners with a variety of community organizations to connect students with additional resources and support beyond the services available in our center. Throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, community partners provide on-campus assistance, information, and referrals to help students access programs and services that support their overall well-being.

The monthly calendar is updated regularly with upcoming dates and times when community partners will be available on campus. Depending on the scheduled partner, students may receive assistance with programs such as CalFresh, cash assistance, public benefits, community resources, and other support services.

The Basic Needs Center also hosts specialized partner organizations, including The Source LGBT+ Center and Project Food Box, providing students with additional opportunities to access resources and individualized support.

Students are encouraged to check the monthly calendar regularly to stay informed about upcoming partner visits and take advantage of available resources and support services.

Housing Resources

Shelter Resources

Must currently be experiencing homelessness to access

• Porterville Navigation Center
  Phone: (559) 521-0632
  Address: 140 South C Street, Porterville, CA 93257
  Shelter Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (first come, first served)
  Resource Table Hours: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
• Central California Family Crisis Center
  Main Office Phone: (559) 781-7462
  Shelter Phone: (559) 784-0192
  Address: 211 N Main St, Porterville, CA 93257
  Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 am – 5:00 pm & Fri 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Additional Housing Resources

• Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance
  Phone: (559) 738-8733
• City of Porterville – Housing Assistance
  Contact: Christina Tank at (559) 782-7499
  Address: 291 N Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257
  Email: housing@ci.porterville.ca.us
• Porterville/Tule River Navigator – Derek Hernandez
  Phone: (559) 610-3500
• You may also dial 2-1-1 for additional local resources and assistance.

Transportation

Our center connects students with transportation options to help support access to campus and community resources.

Bus Passes

Summer: Currently enrolled summer students should stop by AC-105 or call 559-791-2281 to learn more about eligibility.

Fall: Information about bus passes will be available soon. Students interested in learning more are encouraged to contact us.

transPORT

transPORT provides an affordable and convenient way to travel throughout Porterville. Download the free transPORT app to schedule on-demand rides.

DIAL-A-COLT

Dial-A-COLT is a shared-ride service for eligible riders who are unable to use Porterville Transit’s regular bus routes due to a physical or cognitive disability.

Shower Facility

The Basic Needs Center provides access to shower facilities for students currently experiencing homelessness. Showers are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Students interested in using the shower facilities must first check in at the Basic Needs Center (AC-105). During check-in, staff will determine eligibility for services and provide additional information. Walk-in access is available, and appointments are encouraged to help minimize wait times.

Hygiene products and shower essentials are available during check-in while supplies last.

If you have questions about our shower facility or would like assistance scheduling an appointment, please contact us.

Mental Health & Wellness

Mental health is an important part of your overall well-being and plays a key role in your personal, academic, and professional success. The Basic Needs Center is committed to helping students connect with resources that promote emotional wellness, build resilience, and provide support during difficult times.

Students can explore a variety of mental health topics, self-care strategies, campus and community resources, and information about recognizing when additional support may be needed by visiting our Learn More About Mental Health & Wellness or Mental Health Crisis Resources page.

The Basic Needs Center is here to help connect you with the support you need. If you are unsure where to begin, our staff can help guide you to the appropriate campus resources in a welcoming and confidential environment.