Helping Hands
Helping Hands: Supporting Students in Mind, Body, Spirit
The mission of Helping Hands is to support students’ in their growth as wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens, by making sure that lack of basic needs resources doesn’t hinder their academic success and overall well-being. Through programs like the Food Pantry, Career Closet, and access to on- and off-campus basic needs services, Helping Hands seeks to ensure that every Golden Eagle has what they need to thrive.
Get Involved
Helping Hands is supported through the generosity and care of the community on and off campus. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni can support these programs by making in-kind donations from our list of needed items or adding a few things to your cart from our Helping Hands Amazon wish-list.
In-Kind Donations
Drop off items from our most-needed list.
Amazon Wish List
Ship essentials straight to Helping Hands.
Financial Donations
Make a gift to keep programs running.
Food Resources
The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.
2 out of every 5 University of California students are food insecure.
In the California State University system, 1 in 4 students often don’t know where they’ll find food for their next meal.
CalFresh
CalFresh is a California financial aid program that helps students buy food and eat healthier, up to $281 per month for groceries. It does not affect financial aid and you do not need your parent’s tax return information to apply.
How to receive assistance from CalFresh:
- How to Apply for CalFresh
- CalFresh portal for students: This link is specific for college students and will take you directly to the application page. Submit your online application, proof of situation, and receive a debit card with money for groceries within 30 days.
- For families of students in need of food assistance, please fill out the non-student application.
- Your personal CalFresh application will tell you exactly which documents are needed for your situation.
- FAQs and answers for individuals that have immigrant status
Local Food Resources
I need food today!
Available at Concordia
If you need food TODAY, go to the Wellness Center or contact us at 949-214-3102. Or visit the Food Pantry (CSW) during these hours
Snacks available at the Unity Center, located on the top floor of the Library.
Hot Meal Today
Someone Cares Soup Kitchen
720 W. 19th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Hot meal served: Monday – Friday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm, Breakfast served: Saturday & Sunday no eligibility requirement. Opens at 12:30, lunch served from 1-4pm daily.
For Military Members, Veterans, and Their Families/Dependents:
Please visit the VA Resource Center for snacks and other free resources, located on the first floor of the Administration building across from Campus Security office.
Sustainable Solutions for Food
- Find a Food Bank helps you find food banks in various counties throughout the state of CA
- The Food Finder app searches for food banks plus other services providing food.
- List of Food Resources/Pantries in Orange County that provide bilingual services, and holiday services.
- OC Free Food Map offers comprehensive list of food resources
Food Resources In Irvine
| Food Resources In Irvine | ||
|---|---|---|
| South County Outreach7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618 | 949-380-8144 ext. 207Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m | Must fill out an application as a new recipient and submit to [email protected] Needed: Photo ID for head-of-household in the home, Proof of address, Verification of head-of-household income. |
| Mariner’s Church: Community Center5001 Newport Coast Dr., Irvine, CA 92603Located in the Community Center | Email [email protected]949-769-8131Tuesday – Friday, 9am-1pm | For more information click here |
| Saddleback Church1 Purpose Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 | 949-609-8111Briefly meet with a case manager and receive food pantry items. | For more information click here |
| Families Forward8 Thomas, Irvine 92618 | 949-552-2727Must call before you pick up food. Pick-up food once a week, Monday-Thursday, 10am-2pm | For more information click hereTo qualify, you must live in Orange County, provide Photo ID and register to participate. Register at front desk Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-1pm |
Food Pantry & Career Closet
The Helping Hands Food Pantry was created to ensure that no student experiences hunger or unnecessary stress due to limited access to food. Through this program, we aim to foster a supportive community where every student can focus on their education, growth, and calling—without worrying about their next meal.
The pantry offers free essential food items to currently enrolled students in need of extra support, and it is open to all students. Whether you’re facing an unexpected financial hardship or simply need a little help with groceries for the week, Helping Hands is here for you.
How it should be utilized
At Helping Hands, we are committed to serving students at Concordia University Irvine who are facing food insecurity. We welcome anyone in need of assistance, and our goal is to provide essential resources to help ease the burden of difficult times. While our doors are open to all, we ask that visits are made out of necessity, so we can best serve those who truly rely on this resource.
While Helping Hands is here to support students in times of need, we also want to help students toward a more sustainable plan. If a student needs assistance from the food pantry for more than 2 times a week, we may connect them with a Wellness Center staff who will support them with case management services to plan a more sustainable plan.
What to expect when a student arrives at the food pantry
Once you enter the Food Pantry, check-in with a student worker, you will provide your name and E#. There is no forms to fill out, and no questions asked.
You will be provided with a tote bag, and you can grab anything you’d like up to 15 points per visit. (There are signs to indicate different points for each section of food items)
Each student is allowed 1 visit to the food pantry per day.
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Hours may change each semester
Career Closet
The Career Closet is a service of the Center for Career and Vocation Office that provides students with free access to professional clothing for interviews, networking events, career fairs, or any occasion where professional attire is needed. The Career Closet helps students feel confident and career-ready, ensuring they make a strong first impression.
The Career Closet is stocked through clothing donations. While we do our best to provide a variety of options, we cannot guarantee availability of all sizes, styles, or specific items. The Career Closet is by appointment only service for Concordia University, Irvine students.
Appointments may be made by going to the following link https://calendar.app.google/YUSbZwZVF1U3gDTF7 or emailing [email protected]
Additional Resources
Housing Resources
| Housing Resources In Orange County | ||
|---|---|---|
| Waymakers OCOrange County | Call for assistance: 714-842-6600Waymakers OC Website | Waymakers serves youth-in-need with 24-hour emergency services and youth shelter programs. |
| Orange County Rescue Mission, Village of Hope | 1 Hope Drive Tustin, CA 92782714-247-4300[email protected]Get Help Now | Village of Hope offers in-depth spiritual and personal growth in a community of transitional and emergency housing for up to 262 homeless men, women, and children. |
| Family Assistance Ministries | Housing Information & Application | Emergency housing for single women & shelter for women and mothers with children |
| Covenant House | 510-379-1010LA location: 1325 N. Western Ave. LA, CA 90027; 323-461-3131Anaheim location: 632 North East St. Anaheim, CA 92805; 562-379-4110Santa Clara location: 2250 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050; 408-703-9503 *If you need shelter, please call 510-379-1010 and ask for Michelle.Covenant House Website | Ages 18-24Open 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Stand Up For Kids | Stand Up For Kids Website | Providing services for at-risk and homeless youth up to age 25. |
| Young Lives Redeemed | (714) 526-90461105 E Commonwealth Ave Ste A2, Fullerton, CA 92831[email protected]Young Lives Redeemed Website | Takes transitional age (18-25) emancipated foster youth off the streets and puts them on a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. They seek to empower youth to overcome childhood trauma by facilitating engagement in mental healthcare and substance abuse recovery. |
Safety Resources
For Life Threatening Emergencies: Please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Campus Safety
If the situation is serious but does not warrant a 911 call, Campus safety officers are on duty 24/7. Go to the Campus Safety and Wellness (CSW) building, or call Campus Safety Dispatch at 949-214-3000 or ext. 3000 if calling from an on-campus phone.
Wellness Center
Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Staff is available during normal hours of operation to assist in the management of crises occurring on campus, including students who need same day, walk-in appointments to address critical situations. Go to the Wellness Center during open hours or call the main office line at 949-214-3102 or ext. 3102 if calling from an on-campus phone.
| Safety Resources | ||
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline | CALL 988 if you are in crisis or feeling suicidal and need to talk to someone. 988 Lifeline Website | For anyone feeling unsafe, suicidal, and needing crisis assistance. |
| Find a Helpline | Find a Helpline | Free emotional support, anywhere, anytime, helplines in 100+ countries |
| WayMakers OC | WayMakers OC Support for Victims | This link provides information and immediate assistance for victims of domestic violence and abuse. |
| Assistance League Irvine | Family Emergency Care | For victims of domestic abuse and in need of immediate shelter. |
| OC Warmline | CALL 714-991-6412 | Free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support & resources for mental health concerns, substance use, and loneliness. Available 24 hours, 7 days per week. |
| Love is Respect Hotline | CALL 866-331-9474, Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 | Confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loves ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the U.S. Available 24 hours, 7 days per week. |
| National Sexual Assault Hotline | CALL 800-656-4673 | Your call will be routed to a local sexual assault service provider based off your area code. Services are confidential and connect those in need to local resources. |
Clothing Resources
| Clothing Resources Near Concordia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assistance League of Irvine Thrift Shop | 2452 Alton Parkway (between Jamboree and Von Karman on Alton)Irvine, CA 92606Wed-Sat 10am-3pmFriday 10am-5:30pmAssistance League Website | Low cost clothing and donations |
| Mariners Church Thrift Store | 5001 Newport Coast Dr., Irvine, CA 92603, Located in the Community Center949-769-8131Thurs-Sat 9am-1pmMariners Thrift Store | The thrift store is designed to facilitate radical generosity in order to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our community. Every purchase supports Mariners’ Outreach ministries. |
| Working Wardrobes | The Hanger Outlet: 803 19th Street Costa Mesa, 92627; 657-758-8586 The Hanger Outlet: 12761 Harbor Blvd. #I-2 Garden Grove, CA 92840: 657-758-8587 The Hanger Boutique:1071 E Main Street (at Newport) Tustin, CA 92780; 657-758-8584 The Hanger Boutique: 28051 Greenfield Drive (at Crown Valley Parkway) Laguna Niguel, CA 92677; 657-758-8585Working Wardrobes Website | Assistance and low cost clothing for professional wardrobe needs |
Transportation Resources
CU Ride
- Check out bikes for FREE from R.E.S. Office (Sigma Square), and check out other transportation resources here.
- Make a reservation or walk in
- Return bike later that day or the next day
- Baskets, helmets, and locks are checked out with bikes
- We have maps to all of OC’s popular places!
- A bike attendant is available to help with minor maintenance and to answer any questions you may have about biking!
Orange County Transit Authority
Apply for a free College Fare ID to purchase a $46 bus pass. College pass allows unlimited rides to campus, work, shopping, beach, and more. Must be enrolled in 9 units or more and provide proof of college enrollment.
| Transportation Resources | ||
|---|---|---|
| Student Adventure Pass | MetroLink Trains | For a limited time (June 30, 2024 or until grant-funding is exhausted), students can ride the Metrolink for FREE with a valid student ID |
Technology Resources
What is Available at Concordia?
Desktop computers available for student use at various locations including the Library, Grimm Hall Mac Lab, and Grimm Hall PC Lab. Review Library computer use code of conduct prior to use.
Microsoft Office 365 Standard
Concordia students are now eligible for a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 Standard. On this getting started page, enter your student email address ([email protected]) and follow the instructions provided. You will likely be asked to go through two-factor authentication. You can find assistance via this guide: Microsoft Office 2-Factor Authentication.
Software Discounts Through AICCU
Concordia has developed a partnership with journeyED.com to provide enrolled students with software at an affordable price. Click on the link and select “Concordia University of California” to visit Concordia’s personalized online store.
Concordia Apple Discount Store
Apple offers special pricing on the full range of Macintosh computers plus select third-party products. Click on the link to gain access to the Higher Education online store.
Other Technology Resources
Computers With Causes
Apply for a free computer here. The agency will complete a strict needs assessment including background & reference check. If eligible, you will be contacted in 30 days.
Laptops 4 Learning
Laptops 4 Learning provides free laptops for low income students. Complete application on their website. Students must demonstrate need and abide by eligibility requirements.
PCs for People
PCs for People provides low-cost technology for low income students and individuals. Students must demonstrate need and abide by eligibility requirements.
Notebooks for Students
Notebooks for Students provides discount laptops for college & elementary level students.
Personal Hygiene Resources
Basic hygiene kits for both men & women available at the Wellness Center for those in need.
The kits are filled with basic hygiene items including: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, feminine products, lotion, hair comb.
Parenting Students Resources
Aid for Parents
- Financial Aid information for parenting students
- Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, & Children
Educational Support
- Moms Orange County offers Pre & Postnatal Education, support, workshop for new dads, and Mommy & me/My parents & me classes
- UCI Pre & Postnatal Education & Support
- Triple P: Positive Parenting Program
- Postpartum Support International offers online support groups for men & women, as well as pregnancy & postpartum depression & anxiety support. Find their CA resources here.
Local Resources
- Family Resource Centers services include:
- Case Management Team Services
- Counseling
- DV Personal Empowerment Program
- Emergency Assistance
- Family Support Services
- Information & Referral Services
- Parenting Education
- City of Irvine Parenting Resources
- City of Irvine Childcare
- Payment Assistance for Childcare
- New School Clothes and Supplies for Children in Orange Unified School District. Get a referral from your school to receive this resource. Click here for more information.
Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?
Please fill out the Helping Hands Referral Form for more personalized attention or search the OC Navigator resource page.
Looking for help outside of Orange County, check out FindHelp.org
Get in Touch
Stop by, call, or email to make an appointment. If we are away from our desk, please leave a message with your callback number; we regularly check our messages during normal business hours.
Wellness Center
Campus Safety and Wellness (CSW) building
Phone: (949) 214-3102
Email: [email protected]