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Basic Needs

Basic needs are defined as the elements necessary for an individual to survive, including food, shelter, and clothing. At CSSI, we define basic needs as the essential resources that impact our students inside and outside of the classroom as well as their sense of belonging, persistence, well-being and thriving. We support students in addressing their basic needs through providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to discuss their current circumstances, identify resources within the Columbia community and resources available within the local, city and statewide communities, and create goals to ensure their basic needs are met.

Basic Needs Support CSSI Can Assist With:

Though CSSI cannot provide direct access to resources such as housing, financial assistance, and emergency funding, CSSI can provide connections to resources within our Columbia community and beyond. After an initial meeting with the Student Support Specialist, you and the Student Support Specialist will collaborate to identify resources to best serve your needs. These resources may include connections to Columbia Housing, Columbia Health, Counseling and Psychological Services and Columbia Dining, in addition to resources within the larger New York City community such as referrals to community based organizations, health organizations, drop in centers, and local food banks. 

Additionally, the Student Support Specialist provides administrative oversight to the Food Pantry at Columbia for students who may be experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity. The food pantry can be located in two locations.

Food Pantry Locations

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Alfred Lerner Hall 

Lerner location is on the 5th Floor of Lerner Hall, Campus Side 

2920 Broadway (Between 114th & 115th St.)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm 

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Medical Center 

Medical Center location is on the 1st Floor at 50 Haven Avenue

Between 168th & 169th Streets

Mondays 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Thursdays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Hours are subject to change during Summer months. Updated hours for summer will be provided prior to the end of the Spring semester. 

For more information regarding the Food Pantry at Columbia, visit their website at https://foodpantry.cssi.columbia.edu/  

  • Food Security
  • Housing
  • Financial Sustainability
  • Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Mental Health & Wellness
  • Technology
  • Clothing

Any student who needs help managing basic needs is able to receive support through the Student Support Specialist at CSSI. The Student Support Specialist may also work alongside the Wellness and Student Support offices of your school to provide support and comprehensive connections to resources tailored to your needs. 

Following completion of the Student Information Form, the Student Support Specialist will meet with you during an initial meeting to learn more about you, your experience at Columbia, your current circumstances and the resources that may be available to you to support your time at the University.