Basic Needs Department
Contact Us
Basic Needs Department
BasicNeeds@pierce.ctc.edu
253-864-3190
Schedule an appointment
We're here for you.
The Basic Needs Department connects Pierce College students with resources that make a real difference, like food, housing, healthcare, financial help, and more. Our team is here to support you so you can continue your education and thrive.
Get Started
Meet with a Basic Needs Navigator for one‑on‑one support.
Our Programs and Services
- Basic Needs Navigation
- Student Emergency Assistance Grant
- Opioid Prevention, Education and Naloxone Distribution
- Wellness Kiosks
- Community Based Education Navigation
- Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections
- Mi Centro Partnership
Basic Needs Navigation
Our Basic Needs Navigators work with you to reduce the everyday barriers that can get in the way of school.
We help students:
- Apply for emergency grants or short-term financial help
- Apply for public benefits like SNAP/EBT and Apple Health
- Find resources for food, housing, transportation, technology, and more
- Access individualized support to stay enrolled and on track
Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG)
SEAG provides short-term financial support for unexpected emergencies that could interrupt your education.
If you’re facing a sudden hardship, meet with a Basic Needs Navigator to see if SEAG is right for you.
Learn more: Student Emergency Assistance Grant Information
Opioid Prevention, Education and Naloxone Distribution (OPEND)
We offer free overdose-prevention supplies and education. No questions asked.
Pick up Naloxone and fentanyl test strips at:
- Puyallup: College Center, 1st Floor outside STAT
- Fort Steilacoom: Cascade Building, 3rd Floor near The Pinnacle
- JBLM: Stone Education Center Food Pantry
- Center for Global Scholars (CGS)
Visit the Opioid Overdose Information and Naloxone Distribution page for details and instructions for use.
Wellness Kiosks: Affordable Emergency Contraception and Essentials
Visit our SimpliCheck Wellness Kiosks at Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup.
Students can access low-cost:
- Emergency contraception (EC)
- Pain relief medication
- Pregnancy tests
- Other over‑the‑counter wellness products
No appointment needed.
Community-Based Education Navigation
Our Community-Based Education Specialist supports students who are, or have been, impacted by incarceration.
We help you:
- Explore college programs
- Apply for funding
- Coordinate services and campus connections
Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections (PARC)
Prefer finding information on your own? Explore up‑to‑date community resources anytime through PARC.
Resources include:
- Crisis and domestic violence support
- Housing and rental help
- Food and hygiene resources
- Transportation
- Money and employment services
- Childcare supports
- Health and wellness
- Technology access
- Immigration, veteran, and legal resources
- BIPOC-specific support services
- Community re-entry resources
Visit: Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections
Mi Centro Partnership: Empowering Communities Together
Pierce College is proud to partner with Mi Centro, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing Latino and Indigenous communities through education, advocacy, and cultural celebration.
Our College Readiness Coordinator can assist with:
- Completing Pierce College applications
- Completing financial aid applications
- Accessing campus and community benefits and services
- Connecting community members to Pierce College academic offerings
- Connecting to Mi Centro resources and services
Visit Mi Centro for more information about these services and our partnership with Mi Centro.