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The SOUL Center at Hartnell College acts as a hub that provides and connects students to essential services relating to food, stable housing, financial stability, and wellness security. Our team is dedicated to helping students meet their basic needs so that they can spend more energy, time, and focus on their education. SOUL Center provides an array of direct services, resources, and referrals in areas that impact health, belonging, and overall well-being.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to provide students with support programs, awareness, and resources essential to meeting their basic needs and promoting academic success. At the SOUL Center, we understand that basic needs must be approached in a holistic manner, and our staff is committed to providing a safe environment that fosters compassion and respect, and welcomes diversity.

Basic Needs Referral Process

Everything starts with a simple electronic referral.

Upon submission, a Basic Needs team member will review it and schedule the student for an appointment.

In the appointment an intake process will occur. Based on this, the team will create a plan, which can include, immediate aid, referrals, and follow-ups.

Intake

Basic Needs team member will meet with a student

Relief/Support

Tailored plan / services will be identified

Resources

Cal Fresh

A food assistance program, federally known as SNAP/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. The largest food program in California and provides an essential hunger safety net.
Provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families in the form of an Electronic Benefits Card (EBT), much like a debit card.  EBT purchases can be made at qualifying grocery stores and farmers markets. 
To qualify, you must meet income, immigration, and student eligibility guidelines. Currently, the Gross Income Limit for a Household of 1 is $2,430. 
As of October 1, 2023 the Maximum Cal Fresh Allotment for a Household of 1 is $291. 
If you want to add nutritional foods to your budget, see if you qualify and apply online today!
Get Started

Healthcare Coverage

FREE Healthcare Services 

We acknowledge that our tangible housing resources are currently limited. However, we encourage you to complete the referral form so we can assess the available housing support options that may be provided to you. Please note that this current available housing resources are exclusively for active Hartnell College students.

Crisis Counseling and Emotional Wellness Services

  • Emotional support and counseling (therapy) sessions provided for all enrolled Hartnell students.
  • Located on the Main Campus,  Building D, Offices 123-127

Schedule an Appointment

Timely Care

  • 24/7 access to mental health services + sessions with licensed psychiatrists
  • Accessed through student dashboard

Go to TimelyCare

Suicide Prevention

 

On Campus Resources

DSPS (Department of Supportive Programs & Services)

  • DSPS students have access to computers with assistive technologies such as: screen readers, voice recognition, note-taking and magnification software. Braille, large print and PDF also available.

Visit DSPS website for eligibility or for more information

Library

  • All students are provided a 2 hour loan of calculators for math courses or laptops for zoom meetings, group projects or research for use while in the library.
  • Check with the Library Technician at the Circulation or Media Services desk. A signed laptop loan agreement must be on file for the student.  

Visit the Library website for more information

Panther Learning Lab

  • Provides online tutoring for students with qualified student tutors in various academic areas.
  • Tutor Services Coordinator — Frank Henderson 831-755-6738 or email fhenders@e-keicho.com.
 

Off Campus Resources

 

Getting to Hartnell: Alternative Transportation

  • Bicycling
  • Carpooling
  • Walking

Alternative Transportation

Monterey Salinas Transit (MST)

  • Currently enrolled Hartnell College students are able to ride the MST FREE
    • Available any day, any time, any route.  
    • Student must present their valid digital student ID to the driver. 
    • Student digital CAT card must have a clear picture and state current semester of registration. 
  • Digital access to MST is only available during Fall and Spring Semesters
  • For MST access during the Summer semester please email basicneeds@e-keicho.com

211 Monterey County

Resource Referral: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 170 languages. You can count on 211 for fast, free, confidential help whether you're looking for:

  • Clothing
  • Dental Care
  • Disaster Relief & Recovery
  • Food
  • Health
  • Housing & Utilities
  • Job Training
  • Mental Health Services
  • Veteran's Assistance

Learn more about 211 Monterey County

Affordable Textbooks

Learn how to locate and access courses with affordable or zero cost textbook options.  

Guide on Affordable Textbooks

Lactation Spaces

Hartnell College strives to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all.  The College has identified several lactation spaces on campus for students and employees to use while breastfeeding or using a lactation pump on campus. These spaces are generally available Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Main Campus - Building J- Room 117 (J-117) & Building O Room 105 (O-105) 
  • Alisal Center - Building C- Room 203 (C-203)
  • King City Education Center  - KC - Room 132
  • Soledad Education Center- SC - 115
  • Castroville Education Center- CC-117

If you need help making arrangements to use these lactation locations or facilitating a different time or space for you to use on campus, please contact the Title IX Coordinator. kvalentine@e-keicho.com  

Student Parent Services and Resources

Find resources for students who are parents and need additional support in various areas. 

  • On Campus support
  • Off Campus support
  • State Programs: Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)

Student Parent Services and Resources

 

Contact Us

Support of Undergraduate Life
Email:BasicNeeds@e-keicho.com
Phone: (831) 770-7081