Making Ends Meet
You are here because you want an education. It’s hard to focus and be your best in the classroom when you are worried about the basics — food, shelter, and just getting by. If you need help meeting these needs, we are here for you.
We are pleased to offer the following help and services:
- Food Shelf
Our food shelf was created to meet the ever-growing needs of our student body. Our goal is to help eliminate food insecurity on campus by providing access to any SUNY Plattsburgh student.
View all instructions and options on the Food Shelf Order Form
- Pickup Location: Angell College Center, Room 110
- Hours: Orders may be placed any time. After an order has been filled you will receive an email detailing you pick-up instructions.
- Supply: We have non-perishable food items and toiletries available free of charge
Want to Help? View“Feed a Cardinal” Suggested Donation List
Food Shelf Objectives:
- To create an open and welcoming space to ensure that no SUNY Plattsburgh student goes hungry
- To foster a sense a community which allows opportunities for student interns, volunteers, and the campus at large to contribute to those in need
Over college breaks, or outside of office hours, students may contact University Police to gain access to the pantry. For more information, contact Michele Carpentier
- Interview Clothes — Career Closet
Dress for success. We offer clothing in good condition that can help you land that job without breaking your wallet.
- Location: Career Development Center, 118 Angell College Center
- Supply: We have professional clothing available free of charge
- For more information, contact the Career Development Center
- Student Emergency Assistance Program
SUNY Plattsburgh wants to help you achieve your dream of a college education and that may mean helping you overcome unexpected hurdles. The purpose of the Emergency Assistance Program is to help you meet critical, unexpected needs that may arise during your time at SUNY Plattsburgh which impact your ability to continue the completion of your college degree. Please know that the more thoroughly you can describe the emergency, the better we will be able to assist you in the manner most appropriate for your circumstances.
Eligibility
To be considered for assistance through the Emergency Assistance Program a student must be pursuing a degree at SUNY Plattsburgh in a full time, matriculated course of study. Students will need to provide proof of expenses at the time of application. The Student Emergency Assistance Program is a conglomeration of services and may or may not result in monetary assistance, known as an emergency grant, being provided directly to the student.
An emergency grant received through an application to the Emergency Assistance Program does not impact your financial aid or other institutional support you may receive. Emergency grants may be paid to the student’s account with the college in the form of a refund or grants may be disbursed directly to cover the emergency expense. Application processing may be completed within 24 hours, if application is complete, or completed as soon as possible and within five days. Students can expect any money granted to their student account to appear in their account 7–10 days after a grant is approved.
Emergency grant funds are extremely limited and students should apply for only what is actually needed. Sometimes a need can be covered by other than monetary means and the staff of the program will work closely with the student to be sure that they are receiving the assistance they need in the most efficient manner possible to ensure fullest utilization of all resources.
Grants are made based on individual circumstances but generally a student must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA (Federal Application for Free Student Aid) form. If a student has not/will not complete the FAFSA, they must provide proof of family income or of the extenuating circumstances that are impacting their ability to meet expenses.
What is Not Covered by the Emergency Assistance Program
Tuition and fees are not covered by the program. Long-term expenses such as mortgages or auto loans are not covered. Credit card debt is also not considered an emergency expense.
What May Be Covered by the Emergency Assistance Program
- Utility bills
- Emergency travel
- School supplies
- Emergency child care
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Emergency car repairs
- Unexpected damage or stolen property
- Homelessness
- Domestic violence
How to Apply
To apply for an Emergency Financial Assistance please complete the application linked below. Be sure to attach all documentation regarding your estimated expenses (e.g., car repair estimate, utility bill). For those who do NOT have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year, please attach proof of current family income. Please return all documentation to [email protected]. Please note that you may be called for additional information or to discuss possible resolution of your request.
Donations Gladly Accepted!
Our food and clothing shelves depend on the generous donations of our community. If you would like to make a contribution, please read more below.
View the current “Feed a Cardinal” Suggested Donation List
- Food Donations
We are only able to accept non-perishable foods. Our students really appreciate it when our shelves are filled with the following:
- Dry or canned pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Canned vegetables (with pop tops)
- Canned chicken, tuna or salmon
- Boxed dinners or microwavable dinners
- Cereal
- Rice
- Cereal bars or Pop Tarts™
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Canned soups or dry soup mixes
- Microwavable macaroni and cheese or ravioli
- Juice
- Shelf stable milk
- Snack size:
- fruit
- applesauce
- crackers
- granola bars
- trail mix
- on the go snacks
We occasionally accept cooking utensils, can openers, or pots and pans.
Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in 011 Macomb Hall (Student Support Services)
Over college breaks, or outside of office hours, students may contact University Police to gain access to the pantry.
- Monetary or Gift Card Donations
Cash donations to the food shelf or emergency fund are gladly accepted in the SSS Office in the basement of Macomb Hall. Gift cards in small increments are very helpful for students who stay in town during school breaks when the office may not be open.
Checks should be made out to “SUNY Plattsburgh” with “Food Shelf” in the memo.
Donations in excess of $100 should be made on behalf of the Campus Food Shelf through the College Foundation.
- Toiletry Donations
Our students have the following toiletry needs:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Soap/body wash
- Feminine products
- Toilet paper
Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in 011 Macomb Hall (Student Support Services)
There are limited hours during school breaks and we are closed on all holidays observed by the college.