Here's Where to Find Help
Click each box or scroll down to learn more about these resources.
Resources For Getting Through the Pandemic
Many families and individuals have experienced added hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll find resources here and more information on our Quarter Guide webpage.
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Baby Supplies and Resources
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Computers and Internet Access
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Financial and Rental Assistance
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Food Resources
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Health and Psychological Services
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Jobs and Unemployment
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Undocumented Students
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Utilities
Are you struggling to secure daily essentials like food, housing or transportation?
You're not alone.
Emergency Funds
If you’re facing a one-time financial emergency, we may be able to help.
Limited cash grants are now available to assist students who are struggling with an urgent expense – such as a rental payment or deposit, essential car repairs or car registration, a doctor's bill or prescription medication – that might interfere with attending school.
You must meet certain minimum requirements to be eligible for a cash grant.
Food Assistance
Students in need can obtain free food supplies, hygiene products and other items from the Food Pantry program operated by the Office of Outreach.
- Visit the Food Pantry website for instructions to arrange a pickup
- We also have grocery gift cards for eligible students. Use the online form to apply
A mobile food pantry from West Valley Community Services will continue to visit Parking Lot A twice a month:
- Mobile pantry will be here on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Learn more about the mobile pantry
Scroll down for information about more food resources in our area.
Second Harvest Food Bank – Find a Food Center Near You
To find a food distribution center or delivery program near you, visit shfb.org/get-food or
- Call the Second Harvest Food Connection hotline at 1.800.984.3663
- Text “GETFOOD” to 408.455.5181
- Send an email to getfood@shfb.org
Additional Food Programs
You can also find food assistance through the following programs. Please contact the organization to learn about hours of operation and eligibility requirements, if any.
- Cupertino: West Valley Community Services, 10104 Vista Drive, phone: 408.255.8033
- Gilroy: St. Joseph’s Family Center, 7950 Church St. Suite A, phone: 408.842.6662
- Mountain View: Community Services Agency, 3204 Stierlin Rd., phone: 650.968.0836
- Palo Alto: LifeMoves Bredt Family and Children’s Center, 33 Encina Ave., phone: 650.853.8672
- San Jose:
- Sacred Heart Community Services, 1381 S. First St., phone: 408.278.2160
- Salvation Army, 359 N. Fourth St., phone: 408.282.1165 x 3210
- LifeMoves Georgia Travis Center, 260 Commercial St., phone: 408.271.1630
- Sunnyvale: Sunnyvale Community Services, 725 Kifer Rd., phone: 408.738.4321
Housing Resources
While De Anza College does not operate student housing, there are resources available
for students who are homeless or struggling to find shelter.
Cupertino Housing Assistance
De Anza has programs to assist qualified students who are living in Cupertino, such as limited cash grants to help them avoid eviction or pay move-in costs. These are supported through a grant from the city of Cupertino and partnerships with community organizations. Visit the Cupertino Housing Assistance webpage to learn more.
Overnight Parking
The Winter Faith Collaborative and Saratoga's Prince of Peace Lutheran Church coordinate overnight "safe parking" sites at churches and other locations, including some near De Anza, for individuals or families who are sleeping in their vehicles. Contact Amigos de Guadalupe in advance to be screened and enrolled in this program, by calling 408.341.6080 or 408.509.2731.
Housing Assistance
West Valley Community Services helps homeless individuals and families find long-term housing, through rental assistance and other support services. You can speak with the case manager who comes to campus twice a month with the mobile food pantry, or call 408.255.8033.
The Bill Wilson Center operates housing programs and other services that can assist students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. One new program can provide free, short-term housing, while their staff works with you to find a longer term housing solution. You can contact them directly by using their online self-referral form.
NEW More Resources
Financial assistance and other types of support are available from a variety of city, county and nonprofit agencies. Here are some good places to find more resources
- Check the city of San José's Homelessness Response webpage, especially their two-page Homeless Services Resource Guide.
- Santa Clara County has compiled a one-page guide to Housing Resources and a separate list of agencies that provide housing aid for low-income residents.
For routine housing and roommate searches: The Office of College Life maintains a list of websites and tips for students who are looking for apartments or homes to rent.
Psychological Services
Individual counseling is available for students who are currently registered at De Anza. We also offer online support groups and drop-in sessions. These services are free.
Individual Counseling:
Here's how to sign up for individual sessions by appointment with a Psychological Services counselor
- Send an email to dapsychservice@deanza.edu
- Be sure to include your name and CWID, with a short statement that you are requesting psychological services
Support Groups and Drop-In Sessions:
Check the Support Groups webpage for a list of groups and sessions, including activities open to all students as well as groups for AAPI students, LGBTQ+ students and others. You'll find instructions on that webpage to sign up for a group or attend sessions on Zoom.
NEW Speak With a Mental Health Professional – Online, Any Time, for Free!
TimelyCare provides free mental health support and other online resources for De Anza students. You can
- Speak right away with a mental health professional – available online, 24/7
- Schedule an appointment for a one-on-one online session with a licensed counselor
- Find online resources and referrals for a variety of basic needs
- Learn how to sign up for this free service at deanza.edu/resources/timely
New Number for National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Call 9-8-8
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress – 24/7, anywhere in the United States.
Transportation Options
SmartPass
All students at De Anza are eligible for the SmartPass, offered by the De Anza Associated Student Body (DASB) in partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Transit Agency (VTA). Here’s how it works.
- Pay a small fee: Pay a quarterly fee that's just $7.75 for students taking 12 or more units, or less for students taking fewer units.
- Get your Clipper Card: Pick up your personalized SmartPass Clipper Card from the Office of College Life.
- Enjoy unlimited rides: Use your card for unlimited rides on VTA buses and light rail within Santa Clara County – seven days a week.
Free Bike Rentals
Borrow a bike for the quarter! If you're 18 or older, bring your DASB ID card to the Office of College Life during the hours listed on the DASB Bike program webpage. You can also call 408.864.8240 or email DASBbikeprogram@deanza.edu for more information.
Unfortunately, the bike rental program is suspended until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cupertino Shuttle: From Campus to Caltrain
Via-Cupertino is the app-based shuttle that goes everywhere in Cupertino when you need a ride. Discounted fare is available for students. Visit the Via-Cupertino Shuttle website for details on how to get discounted fair and how to ride.
More Assistance
- Free internet: Comcast is offering low-cost internet service for two months through its Internet Essentials program for low-income households. Generally, you can qualify if you are receiving SNAP, SSI, WIC or other forms of income assistance. Visit internetessentials.com for more information.
- Financial aid helps pay for college costs. There are several types of grants, loans and scholars available to students who qualify. To learn more, visit the Financial Aid website.
- EOPS (Extended Opportunities Programs and Services) is a state-funded program that provides extra support, including financial grants in some cases, to assist low-income and academically disadvantaged students. To learn more, visit the EOPS website.
You're Not Alone
A recent survey of De Anza College students found
- Nearly four out of ten students responding to the survey ate less or went hungry because they didn’t have enough money for food.
- Four out of ten respondents moved often, shared a room or struggled to pay for housing or utilities.
- One out of eight respondents said they had been homeless during the previous year.