Nourishment & Essential Supports Team
Summer Hours June 16 - August 7, 2025
Watsonville and Aptos free Food Pantries open Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm
Watsonville and Aptos NEST office hours Monday - Thursday 8am-5pm and Friday 8am-12pm - Walk-in appointments available during these hours
Virtual Drop-in Appointments: Fridays 9am-1pm
Welcome to the NEST
NEST (including Food Pantries) on both campuses will be closed May 30 - June 16,2025.
NEST Summer 2025 Hours
Aptos NEST 902
Open office hours 8:00am-5:00pm Monday - Thursday and Friday 8am-12pm
Food Pantry hours Monday-Thursday 10:00AM-2:00PM
Watsonville NEST A140
Open office hours 8:00am-5:00pm Monday - Thursday and Friday 8am-12pm
Food Pantry hours Monday-Thursday 10:00AM-2:00PM
CalFresh Aptos 902 NEST
CalFresh and Medi-Cal reps from Santa Cruz County are returning every Monday 9am-5pm beginning again in Fall 2025.
CalFresh Watsonville A140 NEST
Second Harvest Food Bank CalFresh Case Specialist on-site every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00pm and every Thursday from 9:00am-12:00pm beginning again in Fall 2025.
Our mission is to ensure that every student facing essential needs challenges has equal access to the resources they need to overcome those obstacles. We believe every student already possess the inner strengths they need to succeed, and we back them up with individualized support as unique as they are.
For qualifying students, our services can include:
NEST Neighborhood housing rental board, county and community referrals, and grants for eligible students
Free Food Pantry and Fresh Markets on both campuses
One-time grants for technology, textbooks, transportation and utilities (submit Request for Assistance Form to see if you are eligible)
Individualized strength-based, trauma-informed care
Housing and financial empowerment support group and workshops
Snack and hygiene products
Off-Campus Resources
Local Housing Assistance Services and Programs
Transportation | Transporte
Marie Riggs - Human Services Student
PVSS Transitional Housing Program
Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Program for Eligible Female-Identifying Single/Parenting Students
Low income-based rent
Free utilities, including Wi-Fi and parking
Supportive PVSS Case Managers with financial empowerment coaches
Savings program
Accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) program, also known as “Section 8”
Contact Monica Mendenhall at momenden@cabrillo.edu or 831-477-3382
Santa Cruz County Resources | Recursos del Condado de Santa Cruz
Trained specialists will match your needs to local services ⎯ including recovery resources. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. Text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211santacruzcounty.org