UCLA Resources
Resources and programs specific to UCLA students
Basic Needs Resources Guide A resource document updated on a rolling-basis of current state, local, and university basic needs resources accessible to UCLA students. These include free COVID-19 testing sites in LA, updates on stay-at-home orders, and various grants and loans for students experiencing financial hardship.
Basic Needs Resources at UCLA A website of collective resources and services on- and off- campus for UCLA students, including CalFresh at UCLA, CLICC laptop and technology lending services, Community Program Office’s Food Closet and Grocery Boxes, Economic Crisis Response Team for emergency student housing, UCLA Financial Wellness Program for financial planning, and 580 Cafe for food and financial resources.
Community Program Office (CPO) An umbrella department for the Student Initiated Outreach Center, Student Retention Center, and twenty five student-initiated community service projects, including the CPO Food Closet. During remote learning, the CPO Food Closet has transitioned to online support for students experiencing food insecurity through gift card programs and grocery box distributions.
Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) Emergency Housing UCLA Housing and ECRT will provide immediate, emergency housing to any UCLA students experiencing or at-risk of houselessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inquiries are assessed on case-by-case basic and students may be provided up to 14 days of university-owned housing. Please contact ecr@saonet.ucla.edu for emergency housing.
Good Clothes Good People A student-run redistribution center at UCLA located in the Student Activities Center. The center offers free clothing (informal and formal!), hygiene products (shampoo, hand sanitizer, toothpaste), snacks, and school supplies for UCLA students. The center is currently closed due to the pandemic, but students may still request these items through their remote services. Please fill out this form to provide feedback on items to be available in upcoming quarters.
UCLA Virtual Wellness Guide A comprehensive guide developed to inform ALL students at UCLA of the existing resources and community spaces offered both by UCLA and student-led initiatives related to mental, physical, and personal health.
580 Cafe An off-campus organization that aims to build collective care and share food, conversation and activism among UCLA students in need. 580 Cafe provides free snacks and various spaces for community building. Check out their website for current resources and spaces available to UCLA students or contact at 310-909-4471 or wfsucla@gmail.com.
Los Angeles Resource Guides and Directories
These resources are accessible to anyone in LA!
LA Shelters and Services Guide A comprehensive spreadsheet of various organizations and services for people experiencing houselessness in Los Angeles compiled by Bruin Shelter. This guide details the requirements (if any), services provided, operating hours, and contact information of the many shelters, drop-in centers, and food distribution programs in Los Angeles currently operating. Also included are mental health resources and free & income-based clinics. For questions or comments on the guide, please contact resources.bruinshelter@gmail.com.
Coordinated Entry System (CES) Access Point Directory If you are currently an individual in Los Angeles experiencing or at-risk of houselessness and looking for shelter, you may want to consider entering the Coordinated Entry System. Many (not all!) of LA’s interim and permanent supportive housing programs require a referral from CES. Access Centers— including St. Joseph’s Center, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), The People Concern, Safe Place for Youth (SPY), and many more— provide referrals to Interim Housing programs, emergency services (domestic violence, emergency physical/mental healthcare), basic services (food provision, storage, and hygiene services), and other supportive services (mental health, workforce development, etc.)
Drive Down Rent Housing Relief Guide A housing guide created by UCLA USAC IVP Office with information on housing, food, and financial resources in the greater LA area and Orange County. The document includes affordable housing options in Santa Monica, Westwood, Sherman Oaks, and West LA. Also includes resources for legal assistance, food, and shelters in Los Angeles.
Mutual Aid Hub An interactive map and guide to mutual aid networks and food resources (including free community fridges in LA) across the US. Services provided by mutual aid networks during the COVID-19 pandemic have included providing and delivering groceries for seniors, low-income and BIPOC families, people with disabilities, and immunocompromised people.
Off Campus Housing Guide A comprehensive guide compiled by UCLA USAC Offices to understanding housing terminology, tenants rights, and affordable housing options for students living off campus in Los Angeles. This guide includes information on how to identify scams, how to find accessible housing, common costs to expect, public and low-cost transportation options, and affordable housing options in Westwood.
Additional LA Housing Resources
Other Housing and Food-related Organizations in LA— please check out the LA Shelters and Services Guide for a more comprehensive list!
The People Concern provides a fully integrated system of care – including outreach, interim housing, mental and medical health care, substance abuse services, domestic violence services, life skills & wellness programs, and permanent supportive housing – tailored to the unique needs of houseless and housing-insecure individuals, survivors of domestic violence, and youth. The People Concern is an access center for CES, and individuals must be referred through CES to qualify for their housing resources. Please contact (310) 450-4050 or drop in at 503 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Mon-Fri between 9AM-5PM *Tuesdays between 1PM-5PM*. The center is closed on the 1st and 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Safe Place for Youth (SPY) provides a continuum of care that addresses the unique needs of youth experiencing and at-risk of houselessness through street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, and educational and employment services. Drop in at 2469 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 T/W/Tr between 11AM and 3PM where food is packaged to-go and basic survival needs and information about available resources are provided. For questions or more information, please contact 310-902-2283, option 2 or youthsupport@safeplaceforyouth.org.
Seed House Project is a co-living housing program for at-risk students that provides free housing, budgeting courses, credit building, and career-focused mentorship. This program cultivates an entrepreneur environment, encouraging members to think outside the box. Requirements: Must be enrolled in school & currently experiencing houselessness.