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 explore Single Stop Resources or submit a Student Support Request/Referral to be connected with a Dean of Students Office staff member.
Food Security | Housing Security | Utilities & Internet | Healthcare | Job Security | Social Service Agencies | Legal Services | Other
Food Security
- 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 2-6 p.m. on Mondays and 12-3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays
- First Baptist Church, Amherst – food pantry distribution from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesdays
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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
Housing Security
- 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
Utilities & Internet
- 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
Healthcare
- 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
Job Security
- Department of Unemployment Assistance – Check for Eligibility and Application
- UMPD Advisory – Avoiding Online Job Posting Scams
- UMass Amherst Student Job Board
Social Service Agencies
- 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
Legal Services:
- 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
Other
- Benefit Finder – questionnaire to help find eligible benefits
