What is Emergency Housing Services?

Students who are currently living off campus (i.e. non-contracted) who are in emergency situations may be eligible for our emergency housing services through the Basic Needs Off-Campus Housing Office. Our services range from either emergency or transitional housing options.

Emergency housing situations are often those consisting of safety concerns, unforeseen housing displacements, and circumstances. Our resources exist to support students in emergency housing situations only and are triaged through a needs-based assessment.

**PLEASE NOTE: All emergency housing services offered through the Off-Campus Housing Office are a temporary means of support, with the goal of solidifying stable housing following your time in our program **

Types of Support

The Basic Needs Off-Campus Housing Office offers a portfolio of resources to accommodate the spectrum of housing needs. These services are differentiated through the following categories:

Emergency Housing

Emergency housing is short-term (30 day maximum stay) for students facing housing challenges or currently unhoused. Eligibility, length of stay, and location placement is determined upon assessment of emergency housing needs.
Emergency housing situations are often those consisting of:
- Safety concerns
- Unforeseen housing displacements
- Staying/Sleeping in a car or public place
- Other circumstances

**PLEASE NOTE: Emergency housing situations only and comprehensive support towards a more stable housing plan & students living OFF campus**

Transitional

Transitional housing is short-term (14-day maximum stay) for students facing imminent or expected housing displacement. Eligibility, length of stay, and type of service is determined upon a needs-based assessment.
Transitional housing situations are often those consisting of:
- in-between leases
- in between moves
- unexpected displacement
- houselessness

*PLEASE NOTE: Support students who are in between accommodations and/or experiencing unexpected displacement*

Emergency Housing UC San Diego Student Testimonials

“I wanted to update you on my situation as well as offer a thank you. My family and I ended up finding permanent a place to live and were able to fully move everything in last week. We are doing a lot better. I ended up passing all my finals and classes with decent enough grades given the circumstances. All of this is thanks to you and the basic needs hub. Without your help and compassion to ease a hard time I’d probably have failed my classes and been placed on some type of academic leave or probation, my family and I would have no where to stay and nothing to eat. I wish I was a bit more articulate so I could truly put it into perspective how much you did for us, and how grateful I am. If there is ever a way I can show my gratitude or support for you or the basic needs hub please let me know”

-Emergency Housing Services User

"Having access to emergency housing during a moment of uncertainty made me feel truly seen, supported, and cared for. When everything in my life felt like it was falling apart, having a safe place to sleep, access to basic needs, and regular check-ins reminded me that I was not alone. It wasn't just about having shelter, but about being treated with dignity and compassion. The basic needs team looked at me as a whole person, not just a student in crisis, and reminded me that asking for help does not make me a burden. At first, I felt guilty for needing support, but I was quickly reminded that housing is a basic human need and that I was just as deserving as anyone else. That sense of care gave me the stability and encouragement I needed to keep going and work on getting on my feet. Thank you for making me feel safe when I needed it most."

-Emergency Housing Services User

Need Emergency Housing Support?

Complete a Basic Needs Assistance Form and Basic Needs professional staff member will get back to you as soon as possible (no later than 2 business days).
For students in housing emergencies that are time sensitive please complete the Basic Needs Assistance Form and email basicneeds@ucsd.edu, or call 858-246-2632.
Emergency Housing referrals are reviewed daily. If eligible activations are not guaranteed for a same-day stay, however are addressed with timely care.