Welcome to NC Stable
The Basic Needs and Wellness Resource Center
At Norco College, we understand that students can only thrive academically when their basic needs are met. Whether you're facing challenges with food, housing, or other essential needs, you're not alone—and we’re here to help. Our Basic Needs program offers support and resources to assist you during difficult times.
S – Support
T – Transportation
A – Assistance (or Accessibility)
B – Basic Needs
L – Lodging (or Living Assistance)
E – Essentials (or Education Support)
Visit us in person, send an email, or call us to learn more about our resources available.
Resources Available
Connect with a Basic Needs and Wellness Ambassador, or explore ways we can support you. For more information, reach out to us via email, or contact Kimberly Thomas, Supervisor of the Basic Needs and Wellness program, call us, or visit us in person.
All conversations are considered confidential. In our center, you come first.
Please bring your Student ID or be able to access your student Canvas to access these resources.
Our Food Pantry assists currently enrolled Norco College students who may be experiencing hardship or good insecurity. Students may receive one bag of food, household and Hygiene products once every week.
Food Pantry Guidelines
-
Check in at the front desk with your student ID. There can be two shoppers at a time.
- Students will receive a reusable bag on their first visit. Please bring a reusable bag with you each time.
- Select a shopping basket and place selected items in the basket.
- Follow limits on specified items. General items on shelf, not packaged boxes.
- Wellness Ambassadors will bag your items at the front desk and return the cart.
- Enjoy your items! We will see you in one week.
Food Pantry FAQ
How often can students visit the pantry?
Students can visit the pantry for a bag of groceries once a week. Students with a greater need may be able to visit more often.
Do students have to be enrolled to visit the pantry?
Students should be currently enrolled at Norco College.
Why are the items on the shelves labeled?
The labels identify the items and the quantity students are able to take. The general rule is one per item, unless the label specifies otherwise.
Does the BNRC accept donations?
Donations are welcome. Food items should be sealed, dry/non-perishable goods, preferably canned goods. Other items should be new, preferably packaged.
Additional Food Resources
A currently enrolled student can stop by NCstable at any point during business hours to grab a snack.
Fresh Success
Fresh Success is a statewide initiative designed to help CalFresh (SNAP) recipients advance toward their Employment and Training goals. At Norco College, Fresh Success operates through Basic Needs and Wellness. The program offers participants a wide range of academic, personal and career support services along with essential material resources.
Fresh Success will provide valuable Career Education Services to help students achieve their career goals through developing work experience through on-and off-campus employment opportunities; connecting with employers in the community; and providing employability preparation through individualized services, workshops, and customizable events.
In addition to the for-credit programs, Norco College has The Extended Learning program which are noncredit, tuition-free courses and are eligible for Fresh Success participants. If you are looking to gain professional development, grow your business, or learn foundational skills to enter a for-credit career education program, Extended Learning programs provide a pathway to success!
Get started on your career goals today at Norco College!
Eligibility Requirements
- Receiving CalFresh/SNAP Benefits
- Enrolled in an Approved Education Program
- Participation in Case Management
- Continuous Enrollment
Participant Benefits
- Career Education
- Resources for textbooks, course materials and fees
- Employability skills
- Supportive Educational Services
- Paid Short-term Internships
- Transportation Assistance & Parking Fee Reimbursement
- Support for Emergency Expenses
- Housing& Utility assistance, Internet/Wi-Fi Allowance for Online Courses, and more.
CalFresh is available for qualifying students for monthly free food benefits to reduce the financial burden and increase healthier eating. Norco College partners with the County of Riverside and has trained Ambassadors for application assistance to answer any questions you have and to help you through the entire application process.
If you have any questions please contact us directly with your name, ID, and contact information and an ambassador will follow up to schedule an appointment.
CalFresh is a monthly benefits program for food. If you're a student enrolled half-time or more, you might be eligible for CalFresh if ONE of the following apply:
-
-
- Participate in EOPS/CARE, TRIO, DSPS, or MESA
- Participate in foster youth programs such as Phoenix Scholars, FYSI, NextUp, extended foster care (AB 12/AB 212)
- Have dependent children under the age of 12
- Received CalWORKs
- Approved for work study
- Work 20 hours/week; or an average of 80 hours/month
- Participate in a Career Technical Education Program
-
Applying online takes just a few minutes and if approved, you'll get money to purchase
groceries via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card every month that you
are eligible.
Apply for California Food Stamps Online
CalFresh Applications Assistance
Basic Needs and Wellness can help you through any housing insecurity you are facing. We offer coaching, guidance, and referrals for housing.
**NOTE: It takes time to navigate the process of housing insecurity.
Housing Insecure and Homeless Students
Norco College, in partnership with local housing service agencies, provides housing navigation and placement services, academic support, and case management services to our homeless and housing insecure students.
If you are at-risk of becoming homeless or currently experiencing housing and food insecurity, please stop by NCStable or use the link below to set up an appointment.
Homeless Youth in California Pursuing Higher Education: Assembly Bills 801
Norco College actively supports college students experiencing homelessness.
- Any student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence meets the McKinney-Vento definition. In addition to those in homeless shelters or sleeping on the street, in cars, or other places not meant for human habitation, it includes students who are “couch surfing."
- A student does not need to be an “unaccompanied" to qualify for priority registration. Students who are currently, or who were previously, homeless in the custody of parents or guardians still qualify (this is different from the criteria for independent status for financial aid).
- Once a student is verified as a homeless youth, they retain that status for a period of six years or until they reach age 25, whichever comes first, and do not need to be reverified in subsequent years.
To discuss Homeless Certification and resources please use the contact information below. All information will remain confidential.
Housing Program Guidelines
- Student receives Housing Information
- If a student is referred for housing, they will receive an email with housing information.
- Complete Housing Survey
- This will begin the waitlist request process for assistance.
- Financial Aid Eligibility
- Ensure your most recent FAFSA/Dream Act application is complete.
- Approval Process for Waitlist
- Students are approved or declined pending enrollment verification.
- Housing Referral
- If a space becomes available, the student will be referred to begin the housing process
Housing Program Options
- Homeless & Housing Insecure Pilot Program (GOAL- Long-term stability and self-sufficiency)
- Rental Assistance (GOAL- Short-term housing assistance)
- Community Resources ( GOAL- Emergency housing assistance)
**Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Housing and Homeless Services
- Please contact Kimberly Thomas, Supervisor for Basic Needs and Wellness, immediately if you find yourself in a situation where you do not have a consistent, safe, or stable place to live. Kim can be reached by clicking here.
- Eligible individuals can be referred to temporary hotel and motel housing by calling the HomeConnect hotline at 1-800-498-8847 or 2-1-1.
How to Get Help if You are Homeless or At Risk of Losing Your Housing
Housing FAQ
Can any student apply for housing assistance?
An enrolled student can apply for the HHIP program or rental assistance. A student must remain enrolled in order to receive housing assistance through Norco College services.
How are students selected for the HHIP program?
Students are selected on a first-come basis, with consideration given to their self-reported survey information, financial aid eligibility, and enrollment verification.
Why is the HHIP program limited?
The HHIP program has a maximum case management capacity. A placement in the program only becomes available when a student exits the program.
How long does the housing process take?
Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how long a student may remain on the waiting list. Once a student is referred to placement the time will be a maximum of three months, but the timeline can vary.
For more information please contact us directly with your name, ID, and contact information and an ambassador will follow up to schedule an appointment.
Student Health & Psychological Services at Norco College strives to engage students in making informed decisions about their health and well-being. Health and wellness strongly correlate with academic success
At Student Health Services, we understand that good mental health impacts our success. To help you stay healthy, we provide free, short-term mental health counseling services both in-person and via telehealth.
The Norco College Career Center serves students and alumni through career planning and employment services to connect them with tools, resources, people, and organizations that support their paths to success in the workforce.
Basic Needs and Wellness can help you get access to Textbooks, school supplies and equipment.
For more information please contact us directly with your name, ID, and contact information and an ambassador will follow up to schedule an appointment.
The Norco College Student Financial Services Department is dedicated to providing quality customer service and financial aid assistance to all students in need of financial resources to help them achieve their educational goals.
Showers are available for students in West End Quad 1, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. If the building is not open, please call Norco College Campus Police at (951) 222-8171.
For more information please contact us directly with your name, ID, and contact information and an ambassador will follow up to schedule an appointment.
How Do I Get Access to Resources?
Stay Connected with us.
Hours & Location
Location: ST (Science & Technology) 107
Hours:
Mon - Thu: 9 am - 5 pm
Fri: 9 am - 12 pm
Contact
NCStable Direct Email: basicneeds@NorcoCollege.edu
Kimberly Thomas
Supervisor, Basic Needs and Wellness
Phone: (951) 738-7413
Send Email
Rosio Becerra
Dean of Student Life
Center for Student Success Bldg. Room 205-B
Phone: (951) 372-7021