The Stand: The Dr. Pamela T. Luster Resource Center
The Stand, seeks to alleviate basic needs insecurity for our students by providing
a safe and secure environment where all students have access to free resources both
on campus and in the community including but not limited to food, professional clothing,
transportation, childcare, housing, personal health, books, and school supplies to
help them succeed both in the classroom and in the community.
We accomplish this by providing emergency direct student support where student can meet with a basic needs counselor as well as a food pantry and clothing closet at San Diego Mesa College that assists students with no-cost food and clothing resources. Resources from The Stand are available to all students. We also provide education to the campus and local community about basic needs insecurity.
Visit The Stand in Room K106 or contact us at mesathestand@sdccd.edu
or 619-388-5726.
Basic Needs Services & Resources
Most services listed below are only available to Mesa College students.
- Two large scale food distributions; Mobile Pantry- 1st Monday of each month and the Farmers Market- 3rd Thursday of each month
- Emergency Direct Student Support
- Emergency Aid (based on fund availability)
- Emergency Food Pantry
- Workshops: in-person and/or zoom options
- Free Professional Clothing Closet (to keep)
- No-cost hygiene products
Please note that all direct student aid provided are considered short-term assistance to address your current needs for the semester. Furthermore, campus of record currently needs to also be listed as Mesa College (admissions application & FAFSA application).
Eligibility
Most students are eligible for resources as long as they are registered for one course at Mesa College.
There are no income requirements and you do not need to provide proof of income to receive benefits.
Applications are not necessary to utilize the emergency food pantry and/or the Professional Clothing Closet - Stop by K106 for support.
If you are experiencing economic hardship and basic needs crisis that impacts your current education success, it is recommended to complete a Basic Needs Intake application to meet with a Basic Needs Counselor for further support.
Please note that your campus of record must be Mesa college to meet with one of our basic needs counselors.
*Other than resources, we are not able to provide direct student aid to international students at this time.
Meet with a Basic Needs Counselor
If you have never met with a Basic Needs counselor at Mesa College:
- Please submit a Basic Needs Intake application for support
If you have previously met with a Basic Needs counselor at Mesa College:
- Please call The Stand (619-388-5726) or stop by in person to schedule an appointment with your counselor.
Access to No-Cost Fresh Food
Mesa College offers no-cost fresh produce through two large scale food distributions, Mobile Pantry and Farmers Market.
The initiative for both food distribution is Mesa College's efforts towards Taking a Stand Against Hunger.
Learn more about how The Stand is alleviating food insecurity on our campus
Donating to The Stand
In-Person Donations
Gently used professional clothing and shoes of all sizes can be dropped off at The
Stand anytime during operation hours. Donation Receipt can be provided upon request.
The Stand is Located in K106.
Online Donations
Donations can be made online through the San Diego Mesa College Foundation.
Donations through Amazon
Purchase much needed items from Amazon and have them sent directly to The Stand.
Make sure to select The Stand's Gift Registry Address at checkout.
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to the Following Contributors
The Stand would like to thank the following entities for their support in launching and maintaining The Stand's goal in providing a source of equity to our students:
- San Diego Mesa College Associated Students
- San Diego Mesa College Foundation
- San Diego County Local AFT
- San Diego Mesa College Financial Aid Department
- San Diego Mesa College Career Center
- San Diego Mesa College Student Success and Equity Office
