Services + Resources — Basic Needs

Basic Needs & Community Resources

Addressing the basic needs crisis is a priority for Bucks County Community College. Whether it’s food insecurity or homelessness, we know many of our students do not have what they need to meet their higher education goals. Basic Needs refers to the food, stable housing, and wellness security of our students at Bucks County Community College as well as community members. We have created support programs and resources that can assist our students in meeting their basic needs and promoting their academic success.

Basic needs security has been shown to have a direct impact on the mental-emotional-physical health, wellness, academic performance, professional development, and holistic success of our students. Bucks looks to increase accessibility to food, housing, mental wellness along with financial resources.

Child Care and Youth Programs

Early Learning Center

Since 1973, the Early Learning Center (ELC) has provided high-quality child care at Bucks County Community College’s Newtown campus. The center is licensed as a child care facility by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and participates in Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program.

Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Centers

The Pennsylvania Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) offers tools, guidance, and information to support families, educators, and early childhood programs across the state.

Emergency Fund

Students may apply for funds when they are experiencing a financial barrier or obstacle, and have exhausted all other resources. The Bucks Student Emergency Fund was created by donations from alumni, employees, community partners, and friends to support your success.

Food Resources

Food insecurity has the potential to harm college students’ ability to achieve their educational and professional goals. Any student who faces challenges securing their food and believes this may affect their ability to succeed in their courses is urged to complete the Food Assistance Student Questionnaire.

You are encouraged to speak with your professor about your academic performance or a counselor about the challenges that you are facing.

Food Insecurity Resources

Bucks County Opportunity Council
Bucks County Food Pantry List
Bucks County Housing Group Food Program
Feeding America

About Food Insecurity

Hunger and Food Insecurity – Feeding America

Housing and Shelter

Housing is critical to a person's health and well-being. DHS believes that too many Pennsylvanians who have extremely low incomes are rent-burdened, too many people experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, and too many people who live in institutions could live in the community with assistance.

The housing program will approach housing challenges in Pennsylvania (PA) by:

Removing barriers unique to each person
Connecting people with housing opportunities
Expanding affordable housing in PA
Partnering with local agencies
Utilizing data to measure progress
Pooling resources and sharing ideas

Pennsylvania has a variety of housing programs and services that can help older adults and people with disabilities, individuals, and families with low incomes, or those who are at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

For more information, visit the PA Department of Human Services Housing Resources website and Pennsylvania 211.

Job Resources

Bucks County Community College has provided a list of resources to help you find job listings and information on applying for unemployment benefits. The resources on this page are updated on a regular basis.

State Employment and Workforce Development

Pennsylvania's workforce development system enables businesses and workers to compete in the worldwide, knowledge-based economy. The workforce system enhances employer competitiveness and innovation while preparing Pennsylvanians for jobs that pay in an economy that grows, supports families and businesses and is effectively improving the quality of life for our most valuable resource - our people.

Workforce Development at Bucks

Bucks County Community College offers professional development opportunities for you to learn a new skill, update credentials, refresh your software know-how, and enable you to advance your career. We also offer customized training to meet the needs of your business.

Workforce Development programs
Community Education and Professional Certification programs
Public Safety Training and Certification programs
Information technology programs

We are also dedicated to helping students and alumni make informed decisions in pursuit of meaningful work. Through individual career counseling and other services, our Career Services team can assist students and alumni through the career planning and job search process.

Unemployment Resources

The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) program provides temporary wage replacement income to qualified workers. The UC program provides temporary income support if you lose your job through no fault of your own or if you are working less than your full-time hours. If you qualify, you will receive money for a limited time to help you meet expenses while you seek new employment.

To be eligible for UC benefits, you must be a worker who performed services that are covered by the Pennsylvania UC Law. For more information, visit Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry website or call 1-888- 313-7284.

Mental Health and Personal Safety

As we strive to support students to achieve their goals through a culture of care, we recognize student mental health plays a vital role. Every member of our campus has many obligations, roles and relationships that may be a source of support but may also cause stress. It is important to us that resources and information are available to you, to support your mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many options for immediate support.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases. Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available.

Have Questions?

Call the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 for individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing) or contact your county assistance office.

Technology Services

Office 365 is included with your Bucks student email account. You can use online versions of Microsoft Office apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Your account also includes access to OneDrive, with 1 TB of online storage that you can sync across your mobile devices and computers. You can install full versions of Office on your Mac or Windows laptop or desktop.

Transportation

SEPTA

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) offers several ways to get around, including buses, trolleys, subways, and trains. You can take the Route 130 Frankford–Knights bus, which drops off and picks up on the Newtown campus.

Bucks County Transport

Bucks County Transport, Inc. (BCT) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides shared-ride transportation for Bucks County residents. If you need assistance, call 215-794-5554 for general information or 1-888-795-0740 to make a reservation. Additional services include:

Senior Shared Ride Program
Medical Assistance Transportation
Persons with Disabilities Program (PWD)
Doylestown Dart
Bucks County Courthouse Shuttle

Additional Transportation Services

Find My Ride (FMR) Transportation Assistance Program
TMA Bucks

Veteran and Military Services

Bucks County Community College is committed to supporting active-duty, reserve, and veteran service members, as well as their eligible dependents, as you work toward your educational goals. You have access to a wide range of services starting on your first day.

Career Services
Accessibility Office
Bucks Care Team
Basic Needs
Bookstore
Campus Resources
Collegiate Recovery
Counseling Services
Environmental Health & Safety
Faculty Resources
Financial Aid
Information Technology
KEYS Program
Perkins Grant
Preferred First Name
Security & Safety
Veteran Resources

Services & Resources