During the coronavirus response, students may still access the campus food pantry, borrow laptops from the Library and more. For updated information on SF State’s response to COVID-19, visit the novel coronavirus information page.
Technology resources
Laptop access
Students may request a loaner laptop from the J. Paul Leonard Library by contacting service@sfsu.edu or 415-338-1420. When emailing, include “Library Loaner Laptop” in the subject line; when calling, ask for a Library Loaner Laptop. The Library is closed.
Internet access
Discounts and special options from internet providers, and areas where the city and county of San Francisco offers free wi-fi service in selected areas.
Economic resources
HOPE Crisis Fund
For students experiencing financial difficulty due to circumstances beyond their control, assistance is available through the University’s Help, Opportunity and Pathway to Empowerment Crisis Fund.
California Employment Development Department
- Unemployment insurance may be available if you have lost your job or have had your hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19.
- Disability insurance may be available if you are unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional).
- Paid family leave may be available if you are unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional).
- Workers’ compensation may be available if you are unable to do your usual job because you were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of your work.
California Public Utilities Commission
Information and resources for utility consumer protections in California during COVID-19 outbreak, including suspension of service disconnections and flexible-payment and low-income programs.
Food resources
CalFresh help clinic
CalFresh, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. SF State provides help with screening, application assistance, questions and troubleshooting. Schedule a Zoom video appointment; email calfresh@sfsu.edu for virtual assistance-screening, application assistance, documents and questions.
Associated Students food pantry
Free pre-made meal boxes from campus food pantry are distributed Wednesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Cesar Chavez Student Center information desk, while supplies last. Email foodpantry@asi.sfsu.edu.
California Pandemic EBT
Food money for children who receive free or reduced-price or school meals. Up to $365 per child to spend on groceries. Apply by June 30.
Bay Area food banks
- San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
- Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
- Alameda County Food Bank
- Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Emergency meal cards
Cards will continue to be distributed through the dean-on-call program. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Student Services Building, Room 403.
Laundry and hygiene
Mashouf Wellness Center locker room
Locker room hours (all other areas of the facilities will remain closed)
- Mondays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
To request a locker room/shower reservation, please email basicneeds@sfsu.edu. Reservations must be made two business days in advance (Monday reservations must be placed by noon the Friday before). Show your student ID card to staff at front desk. Towels and locks will be available. Students must return towels and locks upon exiting the building and must bring all personal belongings with them.
Basic needs care kits and laundry kits
Kits are distributed at the Student Services Building, room 403, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Public restrooms and hand-washing stations
San Francisco provides free public hand-washing stations and portable restrooms.
San Francisco Diaper Bank
This program is eligible to CalWORKs and CalFresh families with children under 3 years old.
Shelter and housing resources
San Francisco Department of Homeless and Supportive Housing
Emergency shelter resources in San Francisco.
Homeward Bound of Marin
Primary provider of Marin County shelters and services for homeless families and individuals.
Network of Care, Santa Clara County
Emergency shelter resources in Santa Clara County.
Network of Care, San Mateo County
Created with a California Department of Aging innovation grant, this project is part of a broad effort by San Mateo County to improve and better coordinate long-term care services locally.
Alameda County Social Services
Housing and homelessness resources in Alameda County.
Contra Costa Health Services
The emergency shelter program for adults provides shelter and case management services to assist residents in ending their homelessness and attaining their highest level of self-sufficiency.
Episcopal Community Services
Problem-solving services for people experiencing homelessness. Students can speak to a problem solver for an assessment and can potentially access city funding for a housing resolution.
3rd Street Youth Services
Food, hotel vouchers and emergency housing services are available.
Moratorium on evictions
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31. For more information, visit the California coronavirus response website.
Storage and transportation
U-Haul storage
Need free storage? U-Haul is offering students free storage for 30 days. Space is limited. Call 1-800-468-4285.
More information and resources
Food+Shelter+Success at SF State
For additional support and more information about basic needs, visit the Food+Shelter+Success website, email basicneeds@sfsu.edu or visit the dean-on-call Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Student Services Building, room 403.
2-1-1 Bay Area
This United Way program is the comprehensive information and referral service for San Francisco, San Mateo, Napa, Marin, Santa Clara and Solano counties. It provides information about health and human services available to them.
City and County of San Francisco
Information on COVID-19, health services, city services and business and job services during the shelter-in-place order.
San Francisco Department on the Status of Women
The Violence Against Women Prevention and Intervention Grants Program supports community-based initiatives in San Francisco that provide essential violence prevention and intervention services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, crisis lines, intervention and advocacy, legal services and education.
One Degree
This interactive website can connect you to food, housing and financial resources in your community.
Page updated June 25, 2020, 8:55 a.m.