LATTC Cuts the Ribbon to New Basic Needs Center

Marvin Segundo, Basic Needs presenter; Tracii Smith, Basic Needs Office Assistant; Maggie Cordero, Dean of Pathways and Student Affairs; Dr. Michael Reese, VP of Academic Affairs; Ronjanay Johnson, Basic Needs Center Student Worker; Sara Hernandez, LA Community College District Trustee; Charalambos Ziogas, VP of Administrative Services; Dr. Kathleen Burke, Deputy Chancellor of the LA Community College District; Dimitrios Synodinos, VP of Student Services; and Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of LATTC

On November 29, 2023, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) was pleased to host the grand opening celebration of its Basic Needs Center.  

The afternoon event began with a welcome from LATTC President, Dr. Alfred McQuarters, with other remarks provided by Ms. Sara Hernandez, LA Community College District Trustee and Ms. Naomi Riley, Director of Outreach for the office of Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of the 37th District. Following the welcome program, the ribbon was cut to the college's new Basic Needs Center. Guests enjoyed tours of the new center from the Center's staff and attended a companion resource fair with services available to students. 

The new center located in the C4 Building, Room 126, features a snack and food pantry, microwave and water cooler-and students can also pick up toiletries and first aid kits. Additionally, a lounge area provides computer stations, free printing, and a safe space where students can work and socialize. 

LATTC's Bucky Beaver shows off some of the pantry items. 

Guests enjoy refreshments during the Center’s celebration. 

The opening also hosted a companion resource fair with support services for students, including Molina Healthcare which provides high-quality healthcare. 

The Basic Needs Center will be open to students Monday–Thursday, 8 am–4 pm and will be staffed with a licensed social worker and college personnel. Additionally, a Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) representative will be at the center every Tuesday to do Coordinated Entry System (CES) intake with unhoused students. 

Future workshops will be programmed at the Center featuring monthly guests from community resource programs such as CalFresh and MediCal. 

Basic Needs Insecurities (BNI) Amongst California Community College Students 
A recent Real College California report states that two of every three California community college students face at least one basic needs insecurity, including lack of food and housing. The ability for students to meet their most basic needs correlates directly to academic success. For example, the report found that the proportion of students reporting non-passing grades in college while experiencing basic needs insecurities is 20–25% points higher than those who earned As and Bs.  
 
The opening of the Basic Needs Center demonstrates LATTC’s commitment to meet the needs of its students, so they have the support to succeed in the classroom and beyond.