Resources for Los Angeles Students Amidst COVID-19 Closings

This is a time of uncertainty for many students amidst the growing COVID-19 outbreak. We know colleges have adjusted their operations in response. Many have introduced remote classes. A handful are asking students to even leave campus. No matter the response from institutions, we know students’ basic needs will be affected by these changes.

While many campuses will continue to provide essential services, Swipe Out Hunger knows that confusion, changing circumstances, and reductions in services will be an additional strain on students already struggling with food insecurity and poverty.

As events unfold across Los Angeles colleges and universities, Swipe Out Hunger will continue to urge students to utilize campus services while providing as many community resources to assist them in these times of increased need. Below are some resources for students to access in the Los Angeles area:

Live LA General Resource List #1
Live LA General Resource List #2
LAUSD’s Resource List for Parents
Los Angeles Food Policy Council Resource List

Food Access:

– Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
– California’s Food Stamp Program (CalFresh) enrollment & information here
– Free food pantries: comprehensive list of food pantries throughout LA county
– Additional food banks and pantries (phone numbers and addresses provided)
– Map locator to easily find food, groceries and other government assistance
– Community Services Unlimited offers CalFresh Outreach and Application Assistance program over the phone. If you need help purchasing food and want to know if you are eligible for CalFresh benefits (aka food stamps) or are ready to submit an application we can help over the phone. Our staff are able to provide the same information and support that you would receive from the LA County Department of Social Services. Please call 213-746-1216 or email [email protected] with questions or to set up a phone appointment.
– Everytable delivering free meals to employers, schools, organizations, and individuals. Call the helpline to access: (323) 458-6487

Access to WIFI for Classes:

– Online learning resources from the Los Angeles Public Library system (LA Public Library branches are closing until March 31st)
– Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely. For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps. Charter will open its WiFi hotspots across our footprint for public use.

Emergency Aid:

– U-Haul will offer 30 days of free self-storage at its facilities to help college students who are currently housing insecure (find your nearest U-Haul location here)
– Centers providing emergency food & clothing (compiled by The Child Care Resource Center)
– Comprehensive state-sponsored list of emergency housing resources (shelters, hotlines, legal rights, etc.)
– Map locator to easily find organizations that provide emergency short-term, long-term and permanent housing or special housing (another directory here)

Physical and Mental Health:

– The Mental Health Access Line (opened 365 days a year, 24 hours a day): 1.800.854.7771 
– For free and/or reduced medical services (physical and mental health) in certain clinics (map locators): Community Clinic Association, Health Services of Los Angeles County, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
– Mobile app WIN app to search and obtain basic need resources (created by Our Children LA)

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to [email protected].