SWC Cares

Basic Needs Request Form

We know our students can experience a number of needs and stressors that impact their ability to be successful at SWC.  Complete a Basic Needs Request Form for a resources appointment with a Student Services Specialist and receive assistance and referrals for food, housing, transportation, and more.   Students will be contacted in 1-10 business days after completing their request form.    

Jag Kitchen Pantry

Here at Southwestern, we believe every student should have enough food to get them through the day.   Our Jag Kitchen Pantry provides a safe place for students to access food free of cost.  The Jag Kitchen Pantry is located in Building 67-172 on the Chula Vista Campus.  Current hours of operation are Monday 1pm-5pm, Tuesday 10am-12pm and 1pm-5pm, Wednesday 1pm-4pm and Thursday 1pm-4pm, and Friday 9am-12pm.  Students who are unable to come during these hours can email teros@swccd.edu.   Students can also register for our monthly Jag Kitchen To Go Drive Thu Distribution with the San Diego Food Bank Mobile Pantry.  

SWC CONNECTS Technology Loaner Program

SWC CONNECTS is a Technology Loaner Program for students who are in need of a loaner computer or other technology to participate in credit or noncredit courses.  Interested students can complete theSWC CONNECTS Technology Loaner Request Form. 

*Please note- filling out a Request Form does not guarantee a loaner device as we currently have more requests then devices.  Students who complete this form will be added to a waitlist and will be contacted when a loaner device is available.  Please visit our SWC Cares Resource Site's Technology Section for additional technology resources. 

 

*Students must be logged out of other Google accounts to access request form.   

SWC CARES Emergency Grant

The SWC Cares Emergency Grant Application for Spring 2026 will open on February 17th at 12pm.  It will close on May 8th at 12pm. 

The SWC Cares Emergency Grant has been created to provide assistance to students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies.  This emergency grant is intended to help students stay in school and meet their educational goals.  Funds are limited.  

Students must have a temporary financial need resulting from a sudden, unexpected emergency.   Students classes must be in session to be eligible for grant. 

Please be advised that applications are reviewed individually, and requested amounts are not guaranteed.  Students are able to submit up to 1 application per semester.   The maximum lifetime award amount a student is eligible to receive is $500.  

All applications go through a committee review process, and students will receive an update on the status of their application to their student email address.  It may take up to 3-4 weeks for students to be contacted regarding the status of their application.  

Housing and Housing Instability Program (HHIP)

The Housing and Housing Instability Program (HHIP) supports Southwestern College students experiencing homelessness or are in immediate risk of experiencing homelessness.  HHIP resources include housing navigation and case management, connection to shelter resources, and additional basic needs supports.    Students who complete a HHIP Request Form will be contacted within 1-2 business days.

Students eligible for HHIP resources must be currently enrolled in classes and experiencing one of the below:

• Living in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, or a temporary housing program
• Living in car, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or similar setting
• Temporarily staying (must leave within 14 days) with friends, family, or others due to loss of housing 
• Received eviction notice and is in immediate risk of losing housing

County of San Diego Human Services Specialist

Many community college students are eligible for public benefits that can help them pay for food, healthcare, childcare, and more.  Southwestern College has a designated County of San Diego Human Services Specialist  that can answer student questions about Medi-cal, Cal Fresh, and Cal Works.  Students can meet with our SWC County Specialist in-person in the SWC Cares Offices, Student Union Building 67-177 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am-3pm.   County of San Diego also holds informational tables at each of the Higher Education Centers each month.  

For more information or to schedule an appointment with County of San Diego Specialist, please call (619)421-6700 ext 6406.

Cares Closet

The Cares Closet offers free clothing to enrolled students.  Students can select interview, event, daily, and seasonal clothing at no cost.  Cares Closet also provides free diapers to students while supplies last.  The Cares Closet is located in the Student Union, Building 67-177 on the Chula Vista Campus.  Open hours are Monday 1pm-5pm, Tuesday 10am-12pm and 1pm-5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 1pm-4pm, and Friday 9am-12pm 

Diaper Bank

Southwestern College is a San Diego Food Bank Diaper Bank Site.   The Diaper bank is located inside the Cares Closet in the Student Union, Building 67-177.  Through the SWC Diaper Bank, a child is eligible for up to 2 packs of diapers each month (depending on available inventory).    Diaper Bank hours are Monday 1pm-5pm, Tuesday 10am-12pm and 1pm-5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 1pm-4pm, and Friday 9am-12pm.