Connect Center
Free Grizzly Pantry when you need food, clothing or personal essentials, emergency grants when you are facing financial hardship and much more.
Attending college in New York City offers amazing opportunities and unique challenges, including managing the cost of living. We see you and we have resources to help you out. All our programs and services are free and cover all areas of essential need.
Contact Us
646-313-8857 / 646-313-8064
ConnectCenter@guttman.cuny.edu
Emergency Funds
Sometimes emergencies happen. Maybe you lost your job or you experienced a fire or a flood. Those setbacks can make it a struggle to pay all your bills. The Connect Center has grants for you and your family as a response to these financial emergencies.
Ready to learn more?
- If you are currently enrolled in classes, regardless of your immigration status, you are eligible to apply.
- Grants may cover rent, utility (heat, phone, internet, electricity), childcare (on a short-term basis) and medical bills (where there is no insurance coverage) plus textbooks, classroom resources, and personal wellness items (that we don’t carry in our Grizzly Pantry) and parenting items (i.e.: diapers).
- The majority of the time, payments will be made directly to the vendor (i.e.: Verizon, Con Edison, your landlord, etc.).
- Emergency grants are not loans, you don’t have to repay them.
- To apply, complete the Online Universal Student Application and we will email you a list of required documentation to collect and/or complete.
Food
Being a college student takes a lot of energy. Count on us for our free food programs, right on campus or delivered directly to your home, to make sure you have the fuel you need to focus on your classes.
Grizzly Pantry – Need a snack between classes or want to bring some extra food home? We have grab and go items, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, oatmeal, pasta, and more.
Fresh Produce, Eggs, and Bread Giveaways – Each semester we partner with local farms to bring you fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, and bread, all for free!
We also work with local agencies to help determine if you are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. If you qualify, you can receive 1:1 help applying. An EBT debit card, filled monthly with funds will be sent to you and you can use it at your local grocery store to purchase groceries for you and your family.
Throughout my journey as a Guttman student, the Connect Center helped me phenomenally. After the pandemic, groceries became expensive and harder to buy. Fortunately, the Connect Center equipped me with the proper nutrition and weekly food (apples, bread, eggs, etc.), which benefited my family and me. During school hours, I was able to go to the Connect Center and grab quick snacks and drinks that helped me stay awake and energized during class; it was especially good because of how expensive Manhattan can be. I was also provided information about food stamps and grants that help me during hard times after the Pandemic.
– WOODCHERLEENE LOZIER
Business Administration
Housing
Finding a place to call home in NYC can be overwhelming, and you might not know where to start. We can help with roommate and apartment finding resources, tips on how to search for a place or connect you with local shelters, affordable housing or short-term room shares.
NYC Housing Resources:
- CUNY Resident Life
- NYC Homeless Shelter
- Youth Covenant House
- Housing Connect
- The Markle Student Housing
- Educational Housing Services
- Penington Friends House
- LGBT Youth Shelter Ali Forney Center
- International House for Postgraduates
- Kolping House New York
- Sacred Heart Residence
- Saint Marys Residence
- Saint Agnes Residence
Childcare
Balancing being a parent and a student can be challenging. Let us help you feel confident that your little one is being cared for while you are in class so you can focus on your success.
From the 17 CUNY campus child care centers to non-profit centers to government child care programs, there is something for every family. Ask us for a list of referrals you can contact directly to receive support navigating NYC’s complex system.
IT major
Financial Literacy
Opening a bank account. Building your credit. Saving money. Avoiding debt. Investing. This is financial literacy, and having these skills can make a huge difference in your future and the future of your family. Get in touch with us to learn more.
File your Income Taxes with Us
Health Insurance
Health insurance is a privilege everyone deserves to have. It will protect you from paying big medical bills if you get sick, have an unexpected medical emergency or just want to keep up with your annual check-ups. Here is some information about some of the plans that are available to you.
Medicaid
This plan is for low-income residents including pregnant women and infants, parents of dependent children, and adults aged 19-64 who are not eligible for Medicare. Certain services under Medicaid require a small copay. No deductible. No monthly premium.
Essential Plan
This plan is for NYS residents aged 19-64 who meet income requirements and are not eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus or employer coverage. The monthly premium is $20 per person or $0, depending on income. There is no deductible.
Marketplace Health Insurance
You can look up and compare the cost for different health insurance options through the individual marketplace. First, create an online account at NY.gov and type your zip code to begin the private health insurance search.
To get help enrolling in one of the above plans, contact us and we will get you connected.
Can’t wait? Connect with a Health Insurance Navigator (Health Insurance Navigator at 1-888-614-5400 to talk to someone today.
I am entirely grateful for the support that Connect Center has given me throughout my college journey. I have been able to benefit from the different Guttman food programs they have run such as Fresh Direct Grocery Delivery, Fresh Food giveaway events and Grizzly Pantry. Thank you for always having that empathy and warm vibe to assist us in our different needs as students.
– PAULA SIGCHO
Human Services
Legal
- are facing eviction in Housing Court, NYCHA housing, need help on other housing issues or are homeless.
- are a survivor of domestic violence or human trafficking.
- are a low-wage or unemployed worker who has experienced wage theft, workplace discrimination or labor trafficking, or needs help with family and medical leave or unemployment insurance.
- are a low-income immigrant who needs help reunifying with your family, obtaining lawful status, applying for citizenship, or defending against deportation.
- need assistance in getting, keeping, and using government benefits and public assistance such as SNAP (food stamps), SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other health insurances.
Let us connect you to the experts at The Legal Aid Society for a free consultation. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Immigrant Student Success Initiative
Whether you have DACA, TPS, or are undocumented, at Guttman Community College we value all students, period. From scholarship opportunities to finding community, the Immigrant Student Success Initiative is here for you with guidance and resources, regardless of your immigration status.
