DCC CARES

Financial emergencies and other real-life challenges can push your education plans off course. We can help you meet basic needs and stay in school.

Emergency Financial Relief

DCC CARES provides awards of up to $2,000 to students in financial crisis. We also can connect you with community resources and other kinds of support that help prevent future crises.

Our Student Emergency Fund offers help for full- and part-time students facing sudden and unexpected financial emergencies.

These might include:

• Threat of eviction or homelessness
• Utility bills
• Medical bills
• Transportation needs
• Childcare
• Domestic violence
• Fire or other disasters
• Theft (especially of property needed for school)
• Loss of employment

In addition, our Student Emergency Fund can help full- or part-time students with needs related to academics:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Childcare

Eligibility & Application

Eligible students must be enrolled for 6 or more credits, have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be in good standing.

Complete our online application to request emergency financial relief. We’ll quickly review your application and respond.

Emergency awards and related services are made possible by the DCC Foundation, the Dyson Foundation, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and the Dutchess County Division of Youth Services.

For more information, email dcccares@sunydutchess.edu or call DCC Cares at (845) 431-8973.

Food Pantry

Located in the lower level of Dutchess Hall, The Pantry stocks nutritious food and personal care items available to the campus community.

The Pantry @ DCC is open on Mondays and Thursday 12-5 and Fridays 12-4. Members of our campus community can stop by during open hours to receive their three-day supply of food and hygiene products based on their family size, every two weeks or as needed. Call us at (845) 790-3714 or stop by Dutchess Hall 114 if you have any questions or special requests.

The Pantry is a friendly, no-judgment zone supported by the College and a variety of campus organizations and community partners.

For more information, email thepantry@sunydutchess.edu.

SNAP Food Benefits for DCC Students

The Supplementation Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people buy healthy food. DCC staff and our local NEOP coordinator can help you apply for SNAP benefits.

SNAP recipients purchase food at grocery stores and farmers’ markets using a special debit card loaded with monthly SNAP funds. Special considerations can help college students qualify for SNAP benefits.

Apply for SNAP by dropping by The Pantry or the DCC CARES office during these times:

• The Pantry (114 Dutchess Hall): Wednesdays 1-3 p.m.
• DCC CARES (203 Orcutt Student Services Center): last Tuesday of each month, 5-7 p.m.
• To apply for SNAP, drop by The Pantry (114 Dutchess Hall) on Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

To schedule an alternative time, email DCC CARES or call (845) 431-8973.

Family Care Support

If you've been putting off returning to school because of childcare costs, we can help. Contact DCC CARES for more information about child care tuition support.

Potential grants and other resources include:

• SUNY Child Care Block Grants
• U.S. Department of Education Child Care Assistance Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program
• SUNY Family Empowerment Program