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
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