Student Emergency Fund
Please click here on the Student Care & Advocacy’s website to get more information about the Student Emergency Fund, available to all Penn State students. You can click here to go right to the application.
Find Other Food Pantries in Your Area
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is urging Northwest PA residents to use their online resource to find a pantry near you. Second Harvest Food Bank provides support to many local pantry agencies in Northwest PA. Find one near you using their agency locator linked here. Be sure to check to see if you meet the agency’s requirements.
Erie County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Erie County Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered through Erie County Care Management (ECCM) provides rental and utility assistance to eligible Erie County tenants impacted by COVID-19. Both tenants and their landlords are encouraged to apply – either party can start the application. Eligibility is determined based upon the tenant being eligible for the program. For details on Emergency Rental Assistance Eligibility, please visit this website. An article you may find helpful for context on the program is available here.
United Way and 211 (Penn State University)
The United Way’s PA 211 is a resource for all Pennsylvanians needing help. They are highly trained, local experts who make finding help easy, 24/7, with compassion and understanding. Behrend students having trouble meeting basic needs can access PA211 through phone, website, CHAT and CHAT translation (75 languages).
Additional Information:
- Erie is part of PA211 regional coverage which includes Pittsburgh, PA.
- United Way has someone available and ABLE to vet an individual’s needs to define appropriate options.
- This is a national service and available for Behreand students.
Broadband Internet Assistance
Students who receive Federal Pell Grants, benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or meet other income-based criteria can now apply for and receive financial assistance for broadband internet through a new federal program.
For assistance in applying, please contact the Student Insurance Advocate Office: 814-865-3585 or insuranceadvocate@psu.edu
Counseling Services
For students who have the United Healthcare Student Resources insurance plan (the PSU student insurance plan), the BetterHelp services are free. You just need to sign up through this website which is specific to their plan.
- Crisis Text Line: if you are in need of a crisis counselor “Our Crisis Counselors are available to help you move from a hot moment to cool and calm totally free, 24/7. Our model has always leveraged kind, empathetic people with a wifi connection from the comfort of their own home. We’re here. We’re ready. We were made for this. And, most importantly, your feelings are valid. You deserve kindness. We’re here to help. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.” Or click here to visit the Crisis Text Line “Get Help – Coronavirus” website.
Penn State Behrend Health and Wellness
Contact the Wellness Center at 814-898-6217. Make an appointment – do not walk into the wellness center without calling!
Up-to-Date Information from the University
To stay informed on any updates from Penn State, please visit: https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/faqs/
Supplemental Nutrition Programs – SNAP and WIC:
Student Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eligibility:
Low-income college students who meet certain eligibility rules might be eligible for SNAP to help buy groceries – up to $192 per month for one person! Four-year college students (and two-year private college students) may be eligible. Visit Compass or call 215-430-0556 to apply. Reference the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Handbook
Chapter 514: Students for more information.
Women, Infants, Children (WIC) Eligibility:
This program provides supplemental purchasing power to women, infants, and children. See if you qualify and apply for benefits: pawic.com.
Find stores accepting SNAP and WIC in your area:
- Accepting SNAP
- Accepting WIC
- Find an Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) bus to your nearest SNAP/WIC-accepting store: (814) 452-3515
Contact SNAP
If you have any questions about eligibility, contact the Lion’s Pantry and we will connect you with the Penn State SNAP Coordinator, or you can reach out to Second Harvest of Northwest PA’s SNAP Outreach Coordinator: Gabriela Kellogg
1507 Grimm Drive Erie, PA 16501
(814) 459-3663 ext. 118
gkellogg@nwpafoodbank.org
For additional information about SNAP, as well as Emergency Shelter needs and Medicaid, contact the Erie County Assistance Office at (814) 461-2000.
The Academic and Career Planning Center’s Career Closet:
Open to all Penn State Behrend students, this resource allows you to borrow professional attire for interviews, class presentations, career fairs, etc. Find more information by visiting their webpage.
Academic and Career Planning
ACPC will be available by Zoom for academic advising, career counseling, assistance with class scheduling, exploring majors and careers and help with resumes, cover letters, job/internships searches, interview preparation and salary negotiation.
- Appointments are available 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday, via phone or Zoom
- Call 814-898-6164 to make a virtual appointment
- Don’t forget, online resources are available at behrend.psu.edu/acpc
COVID-19 Procedures for Borrowing Clothing
-
Students must use this Request Form to identify items needed from the Career Closet.
-
Career Planning staff will pull items needed and place them in a plastic bag.
-
Student will be notified by email that their order is ready for pickup in the ACPC.
-
Returned items will be sent for dry cleaning.
-
Items that cannot be dry cleaned (such as shoes) will be separated for at least 48 hours before next use