Support Page Content
About the BNRC
What is the Basic Needs Resource Center?
The Basic Needs Resource Center (BNRC) operates under Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services (SHCWS) in The WELL, as part of the CARES program. This connection means we can offer not just food, parenting supplies, and clothing, but we can also help connect students to emergency housing and other health and wellness services in our integrated system of care.
Our Mission
Supporting student success with essentials for daily life.
The Basic Needs Resource Center supports students facing food and housing insecurity. Our services are offered with dignity, confidentiality, and without barriers to ensure every student has the resources they need to thrive.
Referrals
Faculty, staff, and students can refer a peer to the BNRC by sharing our appointment link SHCWS Patient Portal or by contacting our office at bnrc@csus.edu.
Donations
You can donate items to the BNRC!
We welcome donations of food, new and gently used clothing, parenting supplies and personal care items. Monetary donations can be made through the Sacramento State Foundation.
Contact bnrc@csus.edu to inquire about making a donation.
How to Get Involved?
Students can volunteer with the BNRC, donate items, or help spread the word. More information about volunteering opportunities will be added here soon.
Community Partnerships
We are grateful to our campus and community partners: A full list will be added soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are located on the first floor of The WELL in Room 1031. The WELL is located on the south side of campus next to the football stadium.
We offer the following essentials (please keep in mind that all items are subject to availability):
Food Pantry:
- Staples like bread, pasta, and cereal
- Canned veggies, soups, tuna, meats, beans, and other canned goods
- Condiments, seasonings, cooking oils and sauces
- Snacks like crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and popcorn
- Beverages like shelf-stable milk, tea, and coffee
Clothing Closet:
- New and gently used professional and casual clothing, shoes, and accessories
All clothing is freshly washed, and we carry a wide range of sizes.
Basic Non-Food Essentials:
- Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, menstrual supplies, and lotions
- Cleaning supplies, dish soap, and laundry detergent
- Parenting supplies, including diapers, baby wipes and formula
- Paper products like toilet paper and paper towels
Couch-Surfing Kits: Couch-surfing kits are lightweight bags containing portable basics with a focus on hygiene and comfort for students experiencing housing instability. Kits will include items like a blanket, socks, hygiene items, water bottle, notebook, mug, power bank charger, and more (depending on availability).
If you are a student who is couch-surfing or experiencing housing insecurity, CARES may be able to help you find stable housing. Learn more about CARES housing security programs here.
Parenting Supplies:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Formula
Visiting the Basic Needs Resource Center is easy! Just follow the steps below.
Step 1: Make an Appointment
- Sign into your SHCWS Patient Portal and click the button labeled “Schedule an appointment.”
- When asked to select the type of appointment that you would like to schedule, choose “Basic Needs Resource Center” from the list of options.
- If you have not already done so, you will be asked to complete your Privacy Notice and Informed Consent forms. After completing these forms, go back to the “Appointments” option in the main menu and follow the steps above to make your appointment.
- Select the date and appointment time that works best for you.
Step 2: Make your shopping list.
When scheduling your appointment, you’ll be prompted to select items for your personal shopper to pull for you in preparation for your visit. We’ll also ask about any allergies or dietary restrictions, and your access to kitchen tools. Creating your list ahead of time saves time during your visit and allows us to serve more students each day.
Step 3: Check In
When you arrive at The WELL for your scheduled appointment time, please have your Sac State OneCard. Before you arrive, your personal shopper will gather most items from your list. They will then answer any questions and help you finalize your selections.
Step 4: Share Your Experience
Help us provide the best experience for you and your fellow Hornets by completing our brief feedback survey—coming soon!
If you are a current student who does not pay student health fees, you will not be able to access the SHCWS Patient Portal to schedule online. However, you can still access the BNRC by calling our CARES office at 916-278-5138 for scheduling help.
Not a current Sac State student? Check our community resources page.
Bring your Sac State OneCard and any questions you have about basic needs, health, wellness, and housing support services. We’re here to help!
You can visit up to once per week.
Yes, all visits are by appointment only.
Scheduling visits by appointment ensures we can provide personalized service and maintain adequate stock for all students.
Please let us know if you aren’t able to make it during the available appointment times.
Currently, we offer appointments Monday through Friday during business hours. If you're having trouble finding a time that works, please email bnrc@csus.edu or call us at (916) 278-1205, and we’ll follow up with suggested times or alternative resources.
If you need additional support, our staff and volunteers can help! In addition to food, clothing, and personal care items, we can also connect you to the following resources:
- CalFresh application assistance
- Connection to housing resources
- Health, counseling, and wellness services
If there’s anything else creating a barrier to your success at Sac State, let us know. If we can’t help directly, we can connect you with someone who can.
We offer fresh and frozen proteins, dairy products, toiletries, a clothing closet, student parenting supplies, and CalFresh application assistance all in one location.