Basic Needs Hub Opens

Basic Needs staff, left to right: Meagan Montalto, Caitlin Malvar, and Pearl Brown.

The Clark College community gathered to celebrate the open house of the Basic Needs Hub on November 6. Students, staff, faculty, and members of the Clark College Foundation toured the space and greeted the staff.

People chatted on the comfy couches. Some signed their names to penguin prints and pinned them on a bulletin board that says: Penguins Flock Together for Basic Needs. Other visitors helped themselves to coffee, sparkling water, fruit, or donuts. Many stopped to say “hello” to Oso the therapy dog, an important member of the Basic Needs team.

Q: What are the basic needs for Clark students – or any college students?

A: The list of basic needs for students is long: Housing, food, water, clothing, physical health, mental health, childcare, transportation, access to technology, and other needs that students may face difficulty with, and that hinder their ability to begin or continue their enrollment in school.

Clark College and the city of Vancouver provide a comprehensive system of basic needs services to support the personal and academic success of students. The Basic Needs program helps students better navigate and understand all the resources available.

Clark students sign their names and attach them to the bulletin board to show their support.

Basic Needs Hub

The Basic Needs Hub is open to all Clark College students, staff, and faculty. Come grab a coffee and a snack, and take a break. They also have computers, printers, and school supplies to help students get their homework done. They also stock supplemental pantry items and hygiene products.

The Basic Needs Team is eager to connect with Clark students, support them in accessing Basic Needs resources, and cultivate their sense of belonging at Clark.

Donate to support the hub’s fundraising campaign.

Basic Needs Team

Oso the dog

Caitlin Malvar, Basic Needs Navigator, is assisted by two Portland State University graduate students earning master’s degrees in social work, Meagan Montalto and Pearl Brown, who are the team’s Basic Needs Program Specialists.

Let’s not forget, Oso, the Basic Needs therapy dog. Oso and his owner, Caitlin, are a certified therapy dog team. Find him in the Basic Needs Hub, where he helps bring comfort and support to the campus community. Come say hi! When Oso isn’t working hard in the Basic Needs Hub, he loves to hike, go to the coast, chase squirrels, and snuggle with his black cat sister, Luna.

Malvar said, “I am grateful to be building the foundation of a very special space here at Clark College. I am motivated and overjoyed to see the Basic Needs Hub open and serving students. With the help of my team, I know we will make a huge impact on our community.”

All about the Basic Needs Hub

  • Learn more about the Basic Needs team here.
  • Learn more about the Hub here.
  • Basic Needs resource inventory here
  • Donate to the Basic Needs Hub here

Connect with the Basic Needs Hub

  • Where: Gaiser Hall 216 (upstairs next to WES)
  • When: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Email: basicneeds@clark.edu
  • Phone: 360-992-2766

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish