The Panther Cares Center is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that helps students achieve their educational goals and navigate challenges.
The resources and financial support programs offered by Panther Cares are designed to alleviate financial stress, allowing students to concentrate on their studies without the burden of essential costs. Additionally, the Panther Cares Center provides information about housing options for students who are facing eviction or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Housing Resources Request
Many students experience homelessness or unsafe housing conditions.
To meet this need, we offer Housing Assistance, including a potential Emergency Hotel Program and additional support to help students secure long-term housing.
Funds donated to the Los Rios Colleges Fund or campus-based Cares Programs can provide a short-term hotel stay, allowing a student facing homelessness to have a safe place to stay while accessing other resources.
District-wide, students are limited to one emergency hotel stay per academic year.
If you are currently enrolled at one of the Los Rios Colleges and are experiencing a housing emergency, complete the form below. Please only submit one form; duplicate submissions will not be responded to. <
To qualify for the emergency hotel program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled and attending in the current semester with a minimum of six units at any of our four campuses (American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake, Sacramento City) and must be in good standing. Your application will be automatically denied if you are not enrolled and attending in the current semester.
- Enrolled in the current semester with a minimum of six units.
- Making satisfactory academic progress, have a 2.0 or higher GPA.
- Have a current Educational Plan on file.
- Facing an emergency.
At SCC, we are committed to assisting students experiencing housing insecurities.
A designated Case Manager is available for assistance every Tuesday and Thursday.
To schedule a meeting with them, please Apply for Housing Resources.
It's important to note that we do not provide lists of apartments or general apartment search information.
Consider enrolling in the Money Matters Course to learn important money management, budgeting, and credit repair skills.
Apply for Housing Resources
Complete this form to apply for housing assistance from Panther Cares.
Housing Deposit Reimbursement
The Panther Cares Housing Deposit Reimbursement grants are specifically designed to assist students in securing safe and permanent housing by reimbursing them for necessary deposits. Students can receive up to a maximum of $1,000 in assistance upon providing written documentation of their emergencies.
We also understand that moving can come with additional costs, and our grants may also help cover those. However, while Panther Cares is here to assist with deposits, this grant does not extend to rental assistance, mortgage payments, or eviction notices.
To qualify for reimbursement, students must meet the following criteria:
- Maintain good academic standing with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA or CADAA, or by applying for the Los Rios Promise program.
- SCC should be your home school, as this is where your financial aid will be disbursed.
- Be enrolled in at least six units at SCC.
- Be registered for or have received services from the Panther Cares Center.
- We encourage you to enroll in the Money Matters Course to learn valuable skills in money management, budgeting, and credit repair.
- Please submit your reimbursement request within 30 days of making your deposit.
Each student is eligible for only one grant for deposit assistance during their entire time at SCC.
To ensure a smooth approval process, the Panther Cares Housing Consultant will verify all your information with your landlord, leasing agent, or rental company.
Verification requires the following:
- A signed copy of your lease or rental agreement that clearly lists your name, address, lease term, monthly rent, deposit, and move-in date.
- A letter on official letterhead from your landlord, leasing agent, or rental company that confirms these details.
- Please note that we are unable to accept verbal confirmation.
If any documents are missing, your application will not be processed.
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Panther Cares committee will review it within seven to ten business days. The Panther Cares Housing Consultant will then contact you to schedule an appointment. If your application is approved, your reimbursement check will be mailed within three to four weeks.
Apply for Housing Deposit Reimbursement
Complete this form to apply for a housing deposit reimbursement from Panther Cares.
Community Housing Resources
If you are a student looking for affordable housing or a new home, we encourage you to explore Affordable Rental Housing Options, which includes a variety of apartments available in the Sacramento area. This valuable resource is provided by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA).
While we strive to assist you, please note that we cannot guarantee availability or contact properties on your behalf. We wish you the best of luck in your housing search!
Are you new to town and eager to find a roommate, job, or tutor? Do you have a room to rent? Here are some third-party organizations that can help you on your journey. Please be aware that Los Rios is not in a collaborative partnership with these organizations. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the vendors directly. Make the most of your college experience by visiting the online marketplace designed to support you!
- Uloop: Student housing, college jobs, tutors, roommates, and more
- HotPads: Rent apartments and houses
- Roomies: Find a roommate or a place to rent
- W.A.Y.S. Rooms for Rent: W.A.Y.S. offers shared bedroom housing in the greater Sacramento area
Utility Assistance
Panther Cares is dedicated to offering utility assistance to support individuals with their energy (gas and electric), water, wastewater (sewer), and phone or internet bills.
- Enroll in at least six (6) units at SCC.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- SCC must be your home school for financial aid.
- Utility bills must be overdue for less than 45 days.
- Assistance is capped at $250 per academic year.
- Having a financial need.
- Completed the FAFSA or CADAA or applied for the Los Rios Promise program.
- Students must submit proof of an outstanding utility bill and/or a shut-off notice from the utility company. The bill needs to be in the student's name—no exceptions.
- Utility checks will be made payable to the student, and proof of payment to the utility must be sent to Panther Cares at Panthercares@scc.losrios.edu. Not providing this information may result in the loss of future utility assistance.
- Consider enrolling in the Money Matters program (hyperlink) (https://scc.losrios.edu/student-resources/panther-cares-(formerly-cityhub)/money-matters-course) to learn important money management, budgeting, and credit repair skills.
Apply for Utility Assistance
Complete this form to apply for utility assistance from Panther Cares.
Contact
Questions or more info:
- Phone: (916) 650-2775
- Email: Panthercares@scc.losrios.edu
Location
Panther Cares Center
Panther Parkway, across from Hughes Stadium
3835 Freeport Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95822