Information for students in need

Penn State Resources

Fostering Lions Program

The Fostering Lions Program (FLP) is a support program designed to assist foster youth improve postsecondary education outcomes. The program provides a support services network to former or current foster youth attending college. The program assists foster youth in four key areas:

  1. Financial
  2. Academic and Career Planning
  3. Social/Emotional
  4. Logistic

Financial, food and housing security, and other basic needs resources

  • As a first point of contact, students at every campus can always call or email Student Care and Advocacy, and staff will offer guidance and help connect you to the appropriate office or resources at your campus.
  • In addition, anyone can complete the online form to share a concern about a student.
  • The Lion's Pantry was created to address the issue of student hunger at Penn State University Park campus. Their purpose is to help provide sustenance to Penn State students experiencing food insecurity.
  • See Penn State Campus Resources (below) for food insecurity options.
  • Housing Support for students who need housing during a semester break, unexpectedly or temporarily no longer have a place to stay off campus, or are leaving an unsafe living situation.
  • Center for Community Resources, which offers a 24/7 support and referral helpline.

Student Insurance Advocate

The Student Insurance Advocate which is part of University Health Services, a unit of Student Affairs, provides individual student consultation as well as outreach and education to students and student groups around health insurance. The student insurance advocate will assist students in identifying insurance options, including the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan, Medicaid or Affordable Care Act marketplace plans.

Commonwealth Campus students can consult with the Student Insurance Advocate via video chat, email or phone call.  Individual students, families, faculty/staff or student groups can schedule a time to talk with the Student Insurance Advocate by emailing insuranceadvocate@psu.edu or calling 814-865-7467.

Sexual or Gender-based Harassment or Misconduct Reporting Resources (UP):

Reports can be made anytime to the University and law enforcement; however, individuals are encouraged to make reports as soon as possible after an incident.

Medical Services (UP):

In the event of an emergency, seek immediate assistance by calling 911.

Emotional support, advocacy, and counseling services (UP):

The University provides a variety of confidential resources to support those who have been affected by sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct. Advocates also can provide information about reporting options.

Police and safety services (UP):

Penn State Campus Resources:

Below is a list of contact information for the Title IX Resource Person at each Penn State campus. Available resources include medical assistance, emotional support and advocacy resources.

Visit your campus website for Additional Student Resources.

Student Affairs

There are many resources available through Student Affairs including:

  • Collegiate Recovery Community: 814-863-0140
  • Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity: 814-863-1248
  • Office of Student Conduct (OSC): 814-863-0342
  • Paul Robeson Cultural Center: 814-865-3776
  • Residence Life: 814-863-1710
  • Student Care and Advocacy: 814-863-2020
  • Student Legal Services: 814-867-4388

If you are struggling financially or experiencing food or housing insecurity, there may be state and federal assistance programs that can help. Review Student Affairs Summer guide: Student food and housing security resources, SNAP changes.

Academic Advising and Support Resources:

Community Resources

State College Food Bank

To use the Food Bank students must:

  1. Live in the boroughs of State College or Port Matilda, or the townships of  Ferguson, Harris, College, Patton, Worth, or Huston AND have a written referral from one of the following agencies:
    • Centre Helps, 410 S. Fraser St, 814-237-5855 or 800-494-2500
    • The Salvation Army of State College, 3901 Enterprise Drive, 814-861-1785
    • Centre Volunteers in Medicine, 2520 Greentech Drive, 814-231-4043
    • If you work with Strawberry Fields, Housing Transitions, or the Women’s Resource Center, check with your case manager for eligibility
  2. Take their referral with them to the Food Bank during normal service hours

Eligible clients will generally be approved for 12 visits in a 12-month period, with at least 30 days between visits. A one-time referral is sometimes available for individuals with emergency situations.

 Other Local Food Pantries

  • Bellefonte/Milesburg: 814-355-4400
  • Centre Hall/Potter Twp:  814-364-1131
  • Centre House (State College): 814-237-4863
  • Howard: 814-962-2254
  • Millheim: 814-349-5850
  • Philipsburg: 814-342-0404
  • Snow Shoe/Mountaintop: 814-387-6855 or 814-387-6230

When the food pantries are closed, the Centre Helps has an emergency bag of groceries available. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Hearts for Homeless Resource Center

The center, at 100 Fraser St., provides supportive programs to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. Among the services the center provides are temporary housing and food, job placement services, and weekly Bible studies.

Pet Food Pantry

Open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Located at Faith Centre, 110 W. High St., Bellefonte. For more information, contact the Faith Centre at 814-355-0880.

St. Paul's Community Church

Shoe Bank

Located in Room 203 of the Wesley Building, St. Paul’s Shoe Bank provides NEW shoes to children up to 18 years old whose parents or guardians receive public assistance. Founded in 1991, the Shoe Bank now provides approximately 500 pairs of new sneakers a year to children. The Shoe Bank is open from 9 AM to noon on Saturdays

Bread Basket Community Soup Kitchen

On Wednesdays during Penn State’s fall and spring semesters, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 109 McAllister St., State College, hosts the Bread Basket. This free community-wide lunch offers soup, bread, and pastries from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Social Room. All are invited to join the community for lunch, and volunteers are always welcome!