Program Information Students face higher levels of food insecurity compared to the general population: 30 – 50% compared to 11.1% in US households. Students face higher levels of housing insecurity compared to the general population: 3 – 10% compared .17 – 1.9% . Studies have indicated that students at Chico State are 50.2% food insecure and Post Camp Fire research (Roll, Wilking) estimated that more than 14% of Chico State students experience some form of homelessness during an academic year. Low housing security is a symptom of high levels of unmet financial need, lack of… more
Program Information Students face higher levels of food insecurity compared to the general population: 30 – 50% compared to 11.1% in US households. Students face higher levels of housing insecurity compared to the general population: 3 – 10% compared .17 – 1.9% . Studies have indicated that students at Chico State are 50.2% food insecure and Post Camp Fire research (Roll, Wilking) estimated that more than 14% of Chico State students experience some form of homelessness during an academic year. Low housing security is a symptom of high levels of unmet financial need, lack of employment opportunities, inadequate financial aid, financial stress, mental illness and addiction resulting in barriers to academic success. Students that enter university-based housing assistance programs typically lack any family or outside adult support and/or they are a victim of a disaster (e.g., wildfire) or unexpected health or financial crisis (Covid-19-related).
The Basic Needs Department has developed 3 main programs. The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry, The Basic Needs Emergency Grant Program and the Rapid Rehousing Program. The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry was started in 2013 to address student hunger. Currently we serve thousands of students, staff and faculty every year and that number continues to grow as the disparity between the middle class and poverty grows. The Emergency Grant programs assists students who are experiencing an unexpected financial hardship through our application for assistance on the Basic Needs website. In addition to this Basic Needs has developed the Rapid Rehousing Program that serves homeless and housing insecure students with obtaining safe, affordable and sustainable housing.
The internship will be held here on campus and the intern will interact with CSUC administration, faculty, staff and students on a daily basis as well as engage with off campus service providers. The intern therefore will need to collaborate in a collegial fashion with many different offices and individuals. The intern must be a self-starter who can also take direction well. The student must be highly organized and proficient in both oral and written communications. The intern will be a case manager for other CSUC students and therefore must be able to maintain both professional boundaries and confidentiality. Knowledge of SNAP and/or Section 8 regulations preferred but not required.
- Assist case management of students
- Check referral and application traffic
- Conduct regular weekly office hours
- Work with Basic Needs and off-campus housing Director to understand housing resources
- Conduct client interviews, case record keeping and confidential communications
- Advise participants individually and in small groups
- Connect participants to county benefits and resources
- Plan and facilitate workshops
The starting wage would be $17.10.
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