El Centro
El Centro is Gavilan College’s one-stop support center for students and community members. While open to all students , the center particularly targets students and community members who identify as Chicanx/Latinx. El Centro's equity-oriented services include housing, food, and financial assistance through local partnerships with basic-needs services. Find a list of El Centro's services below!
Due to high demand, El Centro has paused disbursements of housing assistance, mini-grants, Target, and gas cards, as we’ve reached our budget capacity for fall 2024. However, we remain committed to supporting students by connecting them to available county and college resources.
To receive Spring services, please submit your Basic Needs Referral. After submission, your application will be pre-screened to determine eligibility for the requested service(s). Depending on the services requested, you can expect an email or phone call from us within 7-10 business days.
| Service | Eligibility |
|---|---|
|
Basic Needs Mini Grants (Credit Students Only) Gas & Hygiene Cards (Non-Credit Students Only) |
All students requesting these basic needs services must: - Be enrolled in 6 units of equivalent non-credit hours. - Complete the Basic Needs Referral Form - Have a 0 to -$1500 SAI - Credit students must complete FAFSA/ CADAA. Non-Credit students must complete the SAI Calculator. - Submit additional documents requested for housing assistance. |
| Homeless Assistance We offer case management, housing referrals, housing grants, hygiene vouchers to use within the Cosmetology Department, and more. |
Same as above. In addition, you will need to meet with our Case Manager for additional support. |
| Food Pantry Daily Snacks, Weekly Family Bags, Food Distribution. |
All students are eligible to receive pantry support. Check out the pantry webpage for more information and hours of operation. |
| Financial Literacy Workshops scheduled each term provided by community partners. |
All students are eligible to participate. Check out the financial assistance page for dates and times. |
| Service | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Housing Grant The amount varies based on student need and available funding. |
Complete the Basic Needs Referral Form. Be enrolled in 6 units or equivalent non-credit hours. Have a 0 to -$1500 SAI. Credit students must complete FAFSA/ CADAA. Non-Credit students must complete the SAI Calculator. Submit additional documents requested for housing assistance. |
|
Homeless Assistance We offer case management, housing referrals, housing grants, hygiene vouchers to use within the Cosmetology Department, and more. |
Same as above. In addition, you will need to meet with our Case Manager for additional support. |
| Service | Eligibility |
|---|---|
|
Meal Cards |
- Be enrolled in 6 units of equivalent non-credit hours. - Have a 0 to -$1500 SAI - Credit students must complete FAFSA/ CADAA. Non-Credit students must complete the SAI Calculator. |
| Food Pantry Daily Snacks, Weekly Family Bags, Food Distribution. |
All students are eligible to receive pantry support. Check out the pantry webpage for more information and hours of operation. |
| Service | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Financial Literacy Workshops scheduled each term provided by community partners. |
All students are eligible to participate. Check out the financial assistance page for dates and times. |
