Basic Needs Resources
If you are struggling with food, financial, or housing insecurity, searching for resources can be overwhelming. The list below includes a non-exhaustive list of resources that offer a good starting point. If you are looking for support services and are not finding what you need, please feel free to submit a Student Support Request/Referral to be connected with a Dean of Students Office staff member.
- The Amherst Survival Center: partnership with Dean of Students Office for students to access the ASC Food Pantry, local food delivery options, as well as weekly available meals
- Meal Plan Assistance Program: partnership between Dining Services and the Dean of Students Office. Click on the link for more information regarding eligibility, and application form.
- Northampton Survival Center: outdoor food pantry distribution from 2:00–6:00 p.m. on Mondays and 12:00–3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays
- First Baptist Church, Amherst: food pantry distribution from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays
- Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
- Applying for SNAP Assistance(formerly known as food stamps)
- Off Campus Student Life offers SNAP Drop-In Hours as well if you would like to meet with someone on campus to discuss your eligibility
- For student parents: children and teenagers are eligible for free meals at hundreds of locations throughout the state
- For pregnant and breast-feeding women and children under 5 years old: WIC is open to all regardless of immigration or citizenship status
- Searching for off-campus housing can be challenging.Off Campus Student Life has resources available for assisting students with their search.
- The Three County Continuum of Care (CoC): youth/young adult homelessness resources for Franklin, Hampshire, and Berkshire counties
- DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services: housing for youth/young adults facing various challenges
- Western Massachusetts Network to end Homelessness: emergency housing for families, teens and young adults, homelessness prevention resources, rapid rehousing and help accessing shelters
- Massachusetts Housing Support: resources for renters struggling to make payments, facing eviction, or navigating housing crises
- Directory of Local Shelters
- Internet Essentials: discounted internet and low-cost laptop computers
- Eversource Support Programs: assistance paying for residential electric service
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: assists families with energy costs including home energy bills and energy-related minor home repairs (Application)
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program: provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills
- Community Action Pioneer Valley: provides Home Energy Assistance programs
- Emergency Broadband Benefit(EBB) Program: provides assistance with broadband service through discounts on services and devices
- MassHealth Connector: Open enrollment for free or heavily-subsidized health insurance plans
- Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP): information about student health insurance at UMass Amherst
- Massachusetts 2-1-1: quick 24/7 connection to local resources for health, nutrition, housing, employment, finances and more
- Amherst Community Connections: assistance with housing, jobs, food, and more
- Community Action Pioneer Valley: support and resource referrals for individuals and families
- 413 Cares: searchable database of local resources
- UMass Student Legal Services Office (SLSO): free legal consultation for all fee-paying students on any legal matter
- Office of Attorney General Maura Healey: advocacy for consumers, labor, healthcare, childcare, and more
- Benefit Finder: questionnaire to help find eligible benefits