Get Advice
Check out the various ways you can have an individual advising session with a Calfresh Advocate and Basic Needs Peer Advisor!
Drop-In Advising
Virtual Assistance
Phone: 1-805-893-2786
Email: basicneeds@sa.ucsb.edu
Live Chat: Click on the chat bubbles in the bottom right corner to speak to a live Calfresh Advocate and Basic Needs Peer Advisor.
In-Person Assistance
Please visit us at the Food Security and Basic Needs Advising Center (Nicknamed "SNAC") during our hours of operations. No appointments are needed for in person support.
Peer Advising Hours and Locations
We are located in the University Center, next to Jamba Juice and across from the Campus Store. Visitors and staff are required to wear masks in the center.
Book An Appointment With A Peer Advisor
Please Allow a Few Minutes for the Appointment Page to Load.
If you experience any issues when booking an appointment, please contact us at basicneeds@sa.ucsb.edu for additional assistance.
CalFresh Application
- 60 min. timeslot (most applications average 30-45min.)
- Recommended for: starting a CalFresh application and/or receiving guidance on applying for CalFresh
SAR-7 (6 Month Renewal)
- 30 min. timeslot
- Recommended for: Questions about your semi-annual report (SAR-7) for your CalFresh benefits. Schedule a SAR-7 Advising meeting
Basic Needs Advising
- 45 min. timeslot
- Recommended for: To meet with a peer advisor who can help you to identify which basic needs resources might be the best fit for your needs and to receive advice on how to access those resources. This could include experiencing a pause/issue with Calfresh benefits, food access, housing, finances, mental health, technology equity, and sense of community. Schedule a Basic Needs Advising Session
Housing Advising
Currently not available for appointments. Please email at sa-housingadvocate@ucsb.edu to connect you with housing resources!
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Recommended for: General questions about housing insecurity, finding housing options, help with applying for housing, or help for individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
- Please note if there are not enough upcoming appointments with a housing advocate, our Basic Needs Advising (to the left) can also help with most of these questions and issuesSchedule a Housing Advising Session