Welcome to the Benefits Navigator Page!

Benefit Navigator

Big Bend Community College

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Overview

The Benefits Navigator serves as a single point of contact to assist students with access to essential basic needs and resources on and off campus. They can assist students with applications for SNAP (Basic Food), Apple Health, Working Connections Childcare, housing supports, emergency grants, and more. 

Our goal is to help students overcome financial barriers that may prevent them from starting or continuing their education.

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What Are Basic Needs?

Student basic needs may include:

• Food
• Water
• Housing and shelter
• Clothing
• Physical health care
• Mental health care
• Childcare
• Emergency financial support

If you are experiencing challenges in any of these areas, support is available.

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Why This Support Is Important

According to the 2023 WA College Students Basic Needs Survey-Findings Report:

• Nearly 50% of students experienced basic needs insecurity.
• 1 in 3 students experienced food or housing insecurity.
• 1 in 10 students experienced homelessness within the previous year.
• 75% of former foster youth experienced food or housing insecurity.

The 2025 WA College Students Reassessing Basic Needs Survey-Findings Report continues to show that students benefit from access to resources and support services.

Data from Washington state student assistance programs shows that when students receive emergency or housing support, an average of 88% are able to continue their education.