Here's Where to Find Help

two girls holding out hands to make a heart symbol

Are you struggling to secure daily essentials like food or housing? You're not alone. Click each box or scroll down to learn more about these resources.

Visit Us in Person!

Stop by the new Resource Hub in RSS 143 – that's in the Registration & Student Services Building, down the hall from the Bookstore. (Click the link for current hours and more info.) You can get:

  • Snacks, toiletries, period products, baby supplies and other useful items
  • Information about campus services to assist you
  • Referrals and help with applying for off-campus resources
  • Computers you can use to find resources and submit applications

Resource Hub Hours and info

The Food Pantry is still located inside the Outreach Office in RSS 127.



Emergency Cash Grants

glass jar with crumpled dollar bills inside, with padlock and handwritten sign that says "For Emergencies"

If you’re facing a financial emergency, we may be able to help. De Anza can provide limited cash grants for students who are struggling with hardship or an urgent expense that might interfere with attending school. Click these links to learn more:

In addition, these departments have special grants available for students in their programs:



Food Assistance

De Anza Food PantryStudents in need can obtain free food supplies and other items from the campus Food Pantry in RSS 127

  • Visit the Food Pantry website for current hours of operation and more information
  • We also have grocery gift cards for eligible students. Use the online form to apply

Mobile Food Pantry

In addition to the Food Pantry at the Office of Outreach, a mobile food pantry from West Valley Community Services visits Parking Lot A twice a month:

mobile pantry

Click the red bars to learn about more food resources in this area.

Second Harvest: Find a Food Bank 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.



Housing Resources

housing iconWhile De Anza College does not operate student housing, there are resources available for students who are homeless or struggling to find shelter.

Bill Wilson Center Services

The nonprofit Bill Wilson Center has programs to support students who need assistance with emergency housing, employment, food or substance abuse. Representatives are available in RSS 127 (inside the Outreach office, located down the hall from the Bookstore) on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

West Valley Community Services

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.

Click the red bars to learn about more housing resources in this area.

Sleeping In Your Car?

The Rotating Safe Car Park program coordinates overnight “safe parking” sites at several locations, including some near De Anza, for individuals or families who are sleeping in their vehicles. You must apply and be screened for permission to park at one of these sites, where you can also get access to other support services. This program is a collaboration between local faith-based communities, service organizations and local governments. For more information or to apply for this program, visit the RSCP website, or email rscpleadership@gmail.com or call or text 408.641.0227

Additional  Housing 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

Routine Housing or Roommate Search

The Office of College Life maintains a list of websites and tips for students who are looking for apartments or homes to rent.



Mental Health Services

figure holding big heartIndividual counseling is available for De Anza students through De Anza's Mental Health and Wellness Center. They also host weekly support groups and drop-in sessions.

Plus: You can speak online with a mental health professional, any time, through TimelyCare. These services are free for De Anza students.

Click the red bars to learn about more mental health resources available to you.

Individual Counseling

Here's how to sign up for individual sessions by appointment with a Mental Health and Wellness Center counselor

  • Send an email to mhwc@deanza.com 
  • Be sure to include your name and CWID, with a short statement that you are requesting psychological services

Support Groups and Workshops

Check the Support Groups webpage for a list of groups and sessions, including activities open to all students as well as groups for student athletes, students preparing for transfer, LGBTQ+ students and others. You'll find instructions on that webpage to sign up for a group or attend sessions on Zoom.

TimelyCare: 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

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

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

students at bus stop

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.

Click the red bars to learn about more transportation resources in this area.

Borrow a Bike for Free!

Borrow a bike or e-bike for the quarter! If you're 18 or older, bring your DASG ID card to the Office of College Life during the hours listed on the DASG Bike program webpage. You can also call 408.864.8240 or email collegelife@deanza.edu for more information.

CalTrain Discounts

CalTrain has announced several new discounts for fall 2023:

  • Parking fees have been lowered by 50% at all stations: Daily parking is now $2.75.
  • A new 3-Day Pass allows unlimited rides for three consecutive days after you buy the pass 
  • Youth tickets are now $1 for anyone age 18 or younger
  • For details, visit the Caltrain website

Cupertino Shuttle: From Caltrain to Campus

SV Hopper is an app-based shuttle that goes everywhere in Cupertino when you need a ride – and to the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station. (More transit connections are coming soon!) 

Discounted fares are available for students. Visit the city of Cupertino's community shuttle website for details on how to get discounted fairs and how to ride.



More Resources

Here are some additional ways to find support and assistance.

Computers and Internet Access

Technology Discounts: 

  • CollegeBuys offers student discounts on computers, software and other tech products through its online store
  • All De Anza students can get free access to Microsoft 365 software, including Word, Excel and OneDrive for online storage. 

    Get Microsoft 365


Need a Computer and Can't Afford One? We'll try to help.


Free Internet:

  • Campus Zoom Spaces: De Anza has designated several spaces on campus where you will find power outlets and a good Wi-Fi signal. Look for the Zoom Spaces sign or check the map to find a location that's convenient for you.
  • Comcast Xfinity: Comcast is offering free or lower-cost internet service for low-income households. Generally, you can qualify if you are receiving SNAP, SSI, WIC or other forms of income assistance. Visit the Internet Essentials website for more information.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspots: You can get free Wi-Fi service – 24/7 – in the parking lots at Santa Clara County Libraries in Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and Saratoga. Check the county Libraries website for details.

Food, Housing and Financial Assistance

State Aid for Low-Income Residents


Nonprofits and Community-Based Resources

  • Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County can help with programs and referrals for emergency food, employment, health care, housing and other needs
  • Sacred Heart Community Services is a San José-based nonprofit that provides a wide range of assistance programs for food, clothing, housing, utilities and job-seeking. 
  • Find more community-based resources serving your geographic area by consulting the Community Directory of nonprofit agencies in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Eviction Relief

Undocumented Students

Undocumented students can find a variety of helpful information on our Undocumented Student Resources webpage.

  • HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students) provides resources and peer support for undocumented students at De Anza College. Visit deanza.edu/hefas for more information.
  • Immigrants Rising is a national organization that supports undocumented students with resources for education, employment, legal issues and mental health. Visit immigrantsrising.org for more information.


You're Not Alone

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.

Campus ServicesStudent toolkit


Help With College Costs


For helpful tips, watch our Video Help Series at deanza.edu/vhs-guide


More Campus Resources


Support Our Students

  • Want to help? Visit the Foothill-De Anza Foundation's donation webpage to give online.
  • Your gift will support the Food Pantry and other emergency assistance for students.
  • Learn more about the Hope Initiative supporting our students' basic needs.
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