Basic Needs

What are Basic Needs (BN)? 

We define basic needs as the essential resources that impact your health, belonging, persistence, and overall wellbeing. It includes: 

  • Nutritious food 
  • Stable housing 
  • Hygiene
  • Transportation 
  • Benefits access 
  • Wellness 
  • Financial sustainability 
  • Emergency needs  

We recognize that students may need help with their basic needs and refuse to accept basic needs injustice as part of our Lasallian community. We believe in justice and equity for all students.  

Food

Our campus food pantry is called the Basket!

The Basket is an emergency, free food relief supply for all students (undergraduate and graduate), staff, and faculty. The Basket is in the lower level of St. Benilde Hall. We offer items such as rice, pasta, milk, cereal, freezer items, and fresh produce! Additionally, we have toiletries, paper goods, and utensils.

Students and staff are welcome to take as much as needed whenever needed while being mindful that it is a shared community resource for emergencies.

The pantry operates on a self-assessed need basis. There are no eligibility requirements and all you need is your La Salle ID.

For hours, enroll in the FREE FOOD ON CAMPUS COURSE. Sign-up to get alerts when there is free food leftover from campus events. Food is available on a first come, first served basis.

Transportation

Students are eligible for one transpass per semester. To receive funds, you must be a commuter student or need transit fare for a job, internship, or emergency situation. Students will receive money for the purchase of a SEPTA Transit Key Card. To request transit fare, please email explorerscare@lasalle.edu  or call 215.951.1048. 

Benefits Access/Single Stop

La Salle University’s Single Stop program offers free assistance connecting students with resources to secure basic needs, such Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC, Medicaid, health insurance, free tax preparation, utilities and cash assistances, and other benefits. Students interested in learning about the benefits and resources for which they may be eligible can complete a profile using Single Stop’s online self-screening tool. 

Connect with Single Stop Staff Using the Self-Screening Tool.

Once students submit their profile, an Explorers CARE staff will reach out to review their results and determine the assistance they could receive at no cost! Students can call 215.951.1048 or email singlestop@lasalle.edu to schedule an appointment. 

Emergency Fund

Circumstances in life can change quickly that can be outside of your control. Unforeseen circumstances, such as an accident, illness, job loss, and unexpected household expenses can bring significant stress and impact on your ability to succeed at La Salle. If you need financial assistance, CARE can help. To request Emergency Funds, complete the application below and someone will be in touch to setup a meeting.

Complete the Application 

Housing

Explorers CARE can help students who are currently unhoused or facing imminent loss of housing. 

  • Limited emergency short-term housing on campus is available on a first come, first served basis for a maximum of 30 days. During this time, students will work with the CARE team to locate and secure longer-term housing. 
  • In cases where all rooms are occupied on campus, the CARE team will work on locating housing options within our network.  

To request emergency housing, please complete the Emergency Housing Request Form.  

Students can also schedule an appointment to discuss their current living situation and alternative housing options. To schedule an appointment, email explorerscare@lasalle.edu or call 215.951.1048.