Basic Needs

Basic Needs at BTC

Background & Context

Nearly half (49.4%) of students enrolled in public colleges and universities in Washington state experienced basic needs insecurity in 2022, and struggled with food and housing insecurity at high rates, according to a Washington Student Achievement Council report

Basic Needs Mission

BTC’s mission to achieve a hunger-free and basic needs secure campus leverages programs and resources on and off campus to provide student-centered solutions to food, housing, transportation, and basic needs insecurity through holistic support to meet students’ immediate needs and set them up to maximize support systems and their potential. 

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What's New?

On Campus

Annual Food Drive, in progress

ASBTC is organizing a food drive, "Food Fight" is an annual competition (by lbs. of food) among area colleges. BTC won last year! Collection boxes are located in every department and near the food pantry in G Building. The food fight drive commences in January.

Hygiene Products Programs 2024-25

Monday-Thursday, afternoons. Pick up free hygiene products monthly while supplies last. Visit the food pantry in G Building Cafeteria to participate! 

In the Community

Youth Action Board  Open Positions- Northwest Youth Services

Now accepting applications. Individuals aged 12-24 with lived experience in homelessness and housing instability provide perspectives, ideas and solutions that inform the Anchor Communities Initiative (ACI) in Whatcom County.   Learn more about Youth Action Board and ACI

Housing and Childcare

City of Bellingham partners with Opportunity Council to build affordable housing and childcare center

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Resources & Services

Access the Resources

BTC's Student Benefits Navigator supports students facing basic needs insecurity in accessing campus and community resources and applying for programs- including food benefits, food banks and meals, student food pantry, Workforce Funding, emergency funding, childcare subsidy, housing and health insurance referrals, additional grants and scholarships, etc. 

Close the Funding Gap

While completing the FAFSA or WASFA is the first and most important step in securing funding to pay for college, including scholarships and grants, a majority of students who receive need based awards experience a significant gap of need to fund their true cost of attendance. (Source: Washington Student Achievement Council-  The Myth of "Full-Ride" Financial Aid .) Staff in Student Financial Resources at BTC including the Student Benefits Navigator work with students to identify and apply for additional funding sources to close the gap. 

WA 211 Statewide Basic Needs Resource Directory

Dial 211 for directory support or search the WA 211 Website for basic needs resources - food, housing, transportation, mental health, personal items, disabilities, health care, domestic violence, financial support, tramatic brain injury, employment, and education.

  • Campus Community

    Connect with Peers

    In-person connections are especially important for mental health. (Source: National Institutes of Health  .gov)

    Student Life

    Log in to Canvas to sign up for the Student Life Canvas Page.  Stay informed about student events and activities. Join or start a club or organization . Participate in student government- Associated Students of BTC

    TRIO

    TRIO Student Support Services at BTC is aimed at helping students adjust to college life, succeed in classes, graduate with a degree or certificate, and start a career or transfer to four-year colleges and universities.  Workshops, cultural events and student leadership opportunities. A supportive community of BTC students and staff members. Check eligibility for TRIO and apply .

    SHIFT- Students Helping build an Inclusive Future for the Trades

    SHIFT  aims to increase access, visibility, and success for women, men, LGBTQ+, and non-binary folks enrolled in non-traditional programs at BTC. SHIFT focuses mainly on programs where these groups have been historically underrepresented in their respective industries, specifically male dominated fields.

Community Resources- Translated

Opportunity Council - languages located on webpage's banner- Español  русский  عربى  한국어  انگلیسی  ਪੰਜਾਬੀ  українська   ASL, r esources for basic needs, food, housing, child care, job skills, WA state ID (Access ID), services for children and babies

Whatcom Asset Building Coalition and Opportunity Council's Community Resource Guides - some translation provided for housing, food, clothing, hygiene and tax resource guides 

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Food Pantry

Hygiene Products Programs 2024-25

Monday-Thursday, afternoons. Pick up free hygiene products monthly while supplies last. Visit the food pantry in G Building Cafeteria to participate! 


Location and Hours

Self-Serve
G Building Cafeteria
Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM, Closed on holidays and between quarters

Vision & Mission

Bellingham Technical College (BTC) understands that hunger is a real issue on campus for many students. In response, the Student Food Pantry was created to support students to remain in school and meet their educational goals- ELA, high school diploma, GED, Certificate, Associates and Bachelors degrees.

The Student Food Pantry plays an integral role in BTC’s mission to achieve a hunger-free and basic needs secure campus, leveraging resources and programs on and off campus to provide student-centered solutions to combat food insecurity and supplement food for as many students in need as possible.

How We Deliver

  • BTC students founded the food pantry and have provided leadership and oversight since 2017.

  • Self-serve shopping model: the pantry restocks product 2-3 times per day Monday-Thursday, morning and afternoon, to ensure we serve as many students as possible with varying school schedules.

  • Our partnership with Bellingham Food Bank supplies the pantry with staples- dry goods, frozen protein sources, plant-based protein, canned goods, and some produce including fruit and vegetables on a weekly basis.

  • Combined Fund: donations from BTC employees supplement and expand pantry offerings such as fresh produce, no-cook items, and culturally relevant food items.

  • Annual Services & Activities Fee Award from ASBTC supports food pantry operations- such as bags, storage bins, etc.

  • 2024-25 DEI Award- hygiene products program

  • Donations and food drives supported by our community

  • Your feedback: Share your suggestions to help improve food pantry services.

Thank you for your support!

Contact

Email your questions about BTC's Student Food Pantry to basicneeds@btc.edu

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Hours and Contacts

Regular Hours

Mon to Thu: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Friday

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