Nourishment & Essential Supports Team
Welcome to the NEST
Your one-stop shop for essential needs support services
Our mission is to ensure that every student facing essential needs challenges has equal access to the resources they need to overcome those obstacles. We believe every student already possess the inner strengths they need to succeed, and we back them up with individualized support as unique as they are.
For qualifying students, our services can include:
Rental board, referrals, grants, and Santa Cruz County Housing Connector for eligible students
Transitional housing partnership with PVSS that includes income-based rent, no cost for utilities, case manager, savings program, and free parking at Watsonville location for female-identifying students.
Free food pantry and Fresh Markets on both campuses
Grocery gift cards
Grants for technology, textbooks, transportation and utilities
Personal strength-based case manager
Housing workshops
Snack and hygiene product baskets at 10 locations in Aptos and 2 in Watsonville
Spring '24 Free Fresh Markets are here!
Students: If you have class during the 10-11am markets, the NEST can hold your food for up to 24 hours. Please check with NEST staff for sign-up form.
Aptos Market - Library Plaza 10am-11am
-March 4, 11, 18
-April 8, 15, 29
-May 13
Watsonville Market - B & C Breezeway (Multipurpose Room when rain is forecast) 10am-11AM
-March 6, 20
-April 3, 17
-May 1, 15
PVSS Transitional Housing Program for Cabrillo Students
2-year housing program for unhoused female-identifying students
Income-based rent (30% of income for single room, 20% for double)
Free utilities, including Wi-Fi and parking
Supportive PVSS Case Manager
Savings program
Off-Campus Resources
Transportation | Transporte
Santa Cruz County Resources | Recursos del Condado de Santa Cruz
Trained specialists will match your needs to local services ⎯ including recovery resources. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. Text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211santacruzcounty.org