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Financial Empowerment
Food Security Resources
Stable Housing Resources
Mental Wellbeing Resources
Regional Campus Basic Needs Resources
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CARES is an acronym that stands for Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Support.

The CARES Center works collaboratively with students to secure resources that meet their basic needs. The center works to connect all Kent State students with both on and off-campus resources supporting their financial, food, housing, and mental well-being basic needs.

Basic Needs Assistance Timeline Adjustment During Winter Break - Please Read

All referrals received on or after December 19th, 2025, will be triaged. Only those indicating an imminent basic needs emergency will be addressed prior to the University closure from December 24th, 2025, to January 5th, 2026. All non-emergency referrals will be responded to after staff return on January 5th. If you need basic needs assistance in the meantime, please visit 211.org.  

 

  • Request Basic Needs Assistance

    Request Basic Needs Assistance

    The CARES Center connects students experiencing basic needs challenges with  timely resources. Students can complete the Basic Needs Assistance form to receive one-on-one support from a Case Manager and learn more about available resources. 

    Learn More

  • Providing Support as Faculty and Staff

    Providing Support as Faculty and Staff

    If you know a student with unmet basic needs in the areas of finances, food, housing, and/or mental well-being, please use the Basic Needs Form to refer a student.  

    Learn More

  • Workshops and Opportunities

    Workshops and Opportunities

    Education is key to sustained access to basic needs resources. The CARES Center works to educate students, staff, and faculty about basic needs challenges, associated support resources, and skill development for students.  

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  • Visit the CARES Food Pantry

    Visit the CARES Food Pantry

    The CARES Food Pantry works alongside university and community partners to provide students access to nutritious food, allowing them to focus on their academic journey. Follow the link below to make a reservation. 

    Learn More

  • Swipe Out Hunger

    Swipe Out Hunger

    Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit committed to ending college student hunger.  At Kent State, students can donate and request emergency meal swipes. 

    Learn More

  • Flashes Fighting Hunger

    Flashes Fighting Hunger

    Flashes Fighting Hunger at Kent State University is a student-powered and volunteer-driven organization dedicated to reducing food waste and promoting food security.

 

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Case Managers: Rare to Ohio Universities, Valuable to Kent State Students

At its core, the Kent State University CARES Center is a place dedicated to supporting students in finding solutions for resolving unmet basic needs. One of the main ways the CARES Center is able to effectively accomplish this goal is through the presence of dedicated case managers on campus whose j

Student meeting with a staff member
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