Basic Needs: Unpacking Rent Subsidy at CSULB

There is a stress in navigating an economic system with uncertain outcomes, while balancing a student schedule, and in times of crisis, there are campus resources available to students who need it the most. 

Photo by Anasazi Ochoa

The Basic Needs program at Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is dedicated to serving students experiencing any form of food or housing insecurity.

Danielle Muñoz is the director of the Basic Needs program at CSULB. Since her appointment in August of 2022, her commitment is to helping students prioritize school amidst financial hardships.

According to Muñoz, approximately 12.5% of CSULB students experience homelessness at any given time in the year, and about 42% experience some form of food insecurity.

Basic Needs reviews 500-600 individual cases per semester and has designated case managers that provide students with the precise resources that will best assist their personal needs.

Through funds from the California Budget Act, the program has initially been able to support students by providing one-time grants for those in need of emergency funds for housing. However, as housing situations have become more tumultuous, students have required additional help.

“I think we’re seeing more cases of students that can’t pay their rent in general, and may need more than a one-time grant,” said Muñoz.

The reality of unforeseen crises in student life led to the creation of programs like Rent Subsidy, for students in need of more consistent aid. Once finalized, the Rent Subsidy Program will grant students who qualify assistance over the course of three months.

The Rent Subsidy Program aims to assist students in need in the time of an unforeseen crisis, with an amount of $450 a month for 3 months.

While the amount is seemingly miniscule, for CSULB students like Michelle Ayala, it’s a big help.

“That would give enough opportunity for someone to try to get back on their feet,” said Ayala, who relies on freelance work as her main source of income. 

Ayala is a third-year transfer student, who has previously received assistance from the Basic Needs’ CalFresh program and is all too familiar with the need for emergency funds.

Every student that applies to the Basic Needs Program will be automatically screened for the Rent Subsidy program, according to Muñoz.

 “What we’re trying to do is avoid eviction,” said Muñoz of the goals of the Rent Subsidy program, “if a student is at risk and it can’t be solved by other means, then we will provide this service.”

Aside from the Rent Subsidy program, Basic Needs has assisted graduating seniors who have experienced homelessness during the school year, by providing on-campus housing for the remainder of the semester.

“We know that it’s a lot to focus on graduating and finishing out your last units, and trying to find housing, and a job, and the stress of all that can cause some to push back graduation,” said Muñoz, “we decided to intervene at that critical point for students.”

Josh Brennecke is a communications major at CSULB, and also works as a housing navigator for Partners in Care Foundation, a community-based care organization.

“I do appreciate seeing this program, it’s a good start,” said Brennecke of the programs being developed by Basic Needs Services, “but if things continue the way they are in Long Beach, that is not necessarily sustainable and you’re not setting up students for full-time housing security while they’re attending.”

In his free time on campus, Josh can be found holding motivational signs and distributing hugs to students in need of reassurance.

“If housing was affordable, you might have a little dip in hours or have a car repair and it’s no big deal, but because housing is so expensive, everyone’s budget is almost to a tee, so it doesn’t take much for a student to have to reach out,” said Muñoz.

CSULB students who would like to inquire about receiving assistance from the Basic Needs Program may do so by submitting an application online or visiting the Basic Needs Center on campus at the University Student Union.