Basic Needs Resources

Mav Market: Mercy's on-campus food and resource pantry open to all students, faculty, and staff. 

• Locations:
  • Westchester - Main Hall 115
  • Bronx - Room 1250
  • Manhattan - Room 329
• Residential students in Founders or Hudson Hall have access to a shared kitchen-space in Founders, where students can make their own meals from the comfort of their dorms. Limited cooking utensils can be found with your Resident Director or Assistant. 
• Mercy University Residential Life also has 2 food access sites in the residential dorms:
  • Founders Hall, lobby
  • Hudson Hall, lobby

Mav Meal Swipe Program: The Mav Meal Swipe initiative is intended to support students experiencing food insecurity by providing immediate funds that can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the following locations:

• Westchester Campus - Hudson View Cafe

• Manhattan Campus - Herald Square Cafe

   

  Any currently enrolled student can submit a request to receive a meal swipe voucher. You do not need to be a Mav Market member to submit a request.

   

  • To submit a request: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MercyUniv&layout_id=4

Mercy University Dining Services: See Mercy University's Dining Program, including: locations, menus, and meal plan information. Additionally, there are microwaves available for student use in the following areas of campus: 

• Hudson Hall Cafe
• Bronx Cafe

• Herald Square Cafe

   

Nutritionist: The nutrition services program at Mercy University, led by Hannah Levine, offers a wide array of support for students with nutritional concerns or wellness goals. The services are designed to assist students in addressing a spectrum of health needs—from general wellness to specialized dietary requirements.

• Services Offered
  • One-on-one nutrition counseling via Zoom
  • Events in Hudson View Café & Herald Square Café
  • Virtual nutrition presentations
  • Food allergy & specialty diet advising

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors. If you are interested in talking with someone about your eligibility or application, reach out to the Basic Needs Manager at mavmarket@mercy.edu

To qualify as a student, you must:

• Be 18 - 49 years old
• Physically and mentally fit
• Enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education
• Meet one exemption from this list: https://snapguideny.org/eligibility-rules/select-groups/#students

If you already receive SNAP benefits, you may also be eligible for: 

• Lifeline - a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service
• Fair Fares NYC - 50% discount on subway and bus rides for eligible residents
• Museums for All - Free entry to select museums across the country
• Health Bucks (NYC) - For every $2 spent at farmers markets and farm stands using SNAP on an EBT card, you can get $2 in Health Bucks, up to $10 per day. Health Bucks are available year-round at NYC farmers markets and farm stands that accept EBT.

• Get the Good Stuff (NYC) - For every dollar you spend using SNAP/EBT on eligible fruits, vegetables and beans, you get a matching dollar (up to $10 per day) that can be used for the next purchase of eligible foods.

   

Regional Food Banks: 

• Feeding Westchester - Our mission is to nourish our neighbors in the fight against hunger. We envision a community where all people have access to the food they need today, and the fundamental resources to build a better tomorrow.
• Foodbank of NYC - As NYC’s largest hunger relief organization, we deliver food, resources and dignity — across every borough, background and barrier. Together with about 800 community partners, we cover nearly every zip code to build stronger, more resilient communities and help New Yorkers lead healthier, happier lives.
• Community Foodbank of New Jersey - The Community FoodBank of New Jersey can help connect you with resources for free food and other services. We partner directly with over 800 partner agencies across 11 counties that provide food and other services to neighbors in their communities. We can also help you apply or get recertified for SNAP benefits.
• Halal-focused food pantries - While New York has many food assistance programs, few cater specifically to Muslim dietary needs.

  • Bronx Food Pantry - 

    1277 Burke Ave, Bronx, NY 10467

  • Brooklyn Food Pantry - 

    634 Rugby Road, Brooklyn, NY 11230

  • Flushing Food Pantry - 

    43-2 Union St., Flushing, NY 11355

  • Jamaica Food Pantry - 

    87-91 144th St, Jamaica, NY 11435

  • Long Island Food Pantry - 

    300 Stuart Ave, Vallet Stream, NY 11580

Community Pantries:

• Westchester Community Health Center - Free food resources in Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, and Yonkers
• Yonkers Public Library - Local food pantries at Yonkers Public Library locations and mobile markets through Feeding Westchester
• WestCop - We make it clear to residents of the communities we serve that they are not alone in their fight against poverty, crime, homelessness and hunger; and we provide them with the tools they need to overcome their barriers to self-sufficiency.

• NYC Common Pantry - New York Common Pantry works toward the reduction of hunger and food insecurity through an array of programs that function to establish long-term independence for those we serve. Our whole-person approach starts with food provision through the distribution of nutritious, fresh food pantry packages in Choice Pantry and hearty balanced lunch in the Hot Meals program.

   

Health Eating and Cooking Tips

• Budget Bytes - A recipe website dedicated to low-cost, tasty, and nutritional foods 
• Supercook - A website that allows you to type in any ingredients you have in your kitchen to see what recipes you can make
• MyPlate - The nutritional guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offering dietary recommendations based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For individuals with health concerns, consult your primary care physician for care. 
• Understanding Nutrition Labels - The Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods is based on dietary recommendations for Americans. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates what goes on the Nutrition Facts Label.

Student Discounts and More

• StudentBeans - Sign up to StudentBeans with your university email to receive thousands of student discounts from food, to apparel, to health, beauty, entertainment and more!
• UNiDAYS - Students save with UNiDAYS! THe best offers only for students, free access to discounts in-store, online or with the app. Instant savings on 150+ brands like Apple, Uber Eats, and Walmart!
• Too Good To Go - Buy surplus meals from restaurants, bakeries, and cafes at steep discounts. Search your area and reserve a "magic bag" during the designated pickup time. 
• Plentiful - Plentiful is a technology app that allows individuals to locate, register for, and make reservations at their local food pantry, soup kitchen, or other free food events. It is available via SMS, iPhone/iPad, Android, and web app in nine languages.

Unfortunately, Mercy University does not have the capacity to immediately place individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in on-campus dorms. If you are in immediate need of support, please contact mavmarket@mercy.edu.

Shower facilities: 

All students are able to use the locker room and shower facilities located in the Hudson Hall Fitness Center.

Basic hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste, razors, and menstrual care products are available at the Mav Market during open hours.

Student Emergency Fund:

The Student Emergency Fund was established to help ensure that Mercy students have access to the support and resources they need to successfully recover from unexpected financial challenges. The goal of these funds is to prevent one small emergency from derailing a student’s progress towards a degree. Eligible expenses include: homelessness, housing insecurity, or sudden loss of housing, as well as overdue utility bills reaching a turn-off notice.

Eligibility Requirements

• Submitted application with statement of need and supporting documentation
• Good standing with the University
• Enrolled for classes during the term the emergency funds are being requested

Mercy University Student Emergency Fund Request Form

Public Social Services

• Westchester County Department of Social Services, Office of Temporary Housing Assistance - Provides temporary shelter to homeless families, singles and childless couples.The WCDSS Office of Temporary Housing Assistance provides the following services:
  • Placement and Payment - The office handles the placement of homeless in Westchester County and payment to agencies who provide services.
  • Housing Resources Development - The office has oversight of homeless units and facilities as well as construction and renovation projects and other building-related issues of homeless facilities.
  • Case Management Services - The office oversees casework services to the homeless provided by the not-for-profit agencies and provides direct casework services to the hard to serve population.
• NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - City operated homeless shelter system that provides temporary and emergency shelter. If you are a homeless family, a single pregnant woman, or a single adult, you can apply to enter the shelter system at an intake center. DHS does not provide transportation services to the shelter. You have the right to access shelter services regardless of immigration status. You can also get assistance if you are about to become homeless. If you would like to speak to a counselor, 311 can give you the address of your local HomeBase office.

Community Resources

• Lifting Up Westchester - Operates two shelters for adults 18+ that provide shelter, food, and supportive services.
• My Sisters' Place - Emergency shelter for families an individuals with an urgent need for safety and security, MSP operates a confidential located shelter for victims of abuse.

• Ali Forney Center - A 24-hour program, The Ali Forney Center never closes its doors. We provide more than just a bed and food for those in need — from initial intake at our drop-in center to transitional housing and job readiness training, we provide homeless LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth a safe, warm, supportive environment to escape the streets.

   

Catholic Charities of New York - Eviction Prevention Grant Program

Are you struggling to pay rent or worried about losing your housing? The Eviction Prevention Grant Program (EPGP) helps tenants stabilize their housing and avoid eviction through legal support, advocacy, and referrals. Our goal is to prevent eviction, stabilize housing for individuals and families, and connect clients with resources that support long-term housing stability.

Con Edison - Energy Affordability Programs

You may qualify for a discount on your monthly energy bill if you receive certain government benefits or your household income falls below the area median for New York City and Westchester. 

New York City Human Resources Association - Homebase Program

Homebase provides New Yorkers experiencing housing instability in the community with various homeless prevention services and aftercare services to families and individuals exiting NYC DHS shelter to permanent housing. Homebase locations are servicing clients either via phone or for in-person services. Anyone seeking Homebase services should call the office in advance to schedule an appointment.

The Public Engagement Unit's (PEU) Tenant Support Unit (TSU) helps New Yorkers who may be experiencing landlord harassment, are at risk of displacement, or need to make home-related repairs. Tenant Support Specialists conduct proactive outreach to connect tenants in all five NYC boroughs with city programs, legal assistance, and community resources.

• Click here to learn more about the Tenant Support Unit

In New York City, everyone has the right to fair and equal treatment in housing, regardless of immigration status. Housing discrimination based on national origin or immigration status is illegal, and protections are in place for all tenants. Every tenant deserves to live safely and with dignity.

• Click here to learn more about your housing rights in NYC

Right-to-Counsel (or Universal Access) legal services are free and available in every ZIP code, regardless of immigration status. Tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA administrative proceedings have access to free legal representation or advice provided by legal services organizations from across the five boroughs.

• Click here to learn more about your right-to-counsel if you are facing eviction in Housing Court

Health Office - Students can receive limited primary care services, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries, preventive care, health education, and referrals to local specialists or hospitals as needed. We are committed to providing, confidential, responsive, high quality medical care to our diverse student community. There are no fees for the services in the Student Health Office. The office is staffed by Family Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses. 

To schedule an appointment, call (914) 674-7255. 

Student Counseling Center - A resource for all students and available on all campuses and online. Our Counselors provide brief treatment lasting up to 8 sessions per semester. In-person sessions are available between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM on all three campuses by appointment. All services are free, confidential, and provided by licensed therapists for students currently registered in classes. The Counseling Center also partners with BetterMynds, an online counseling service for students who want expanded hours and availability.

To schedule an appointment, feel free to email counselingcenter@mercy.edu or call 914-888-5150

Westchester Community Health Center provides quality primary, preventative and affordable health care services for everyone.Takes most major insurance, and offers access for those who are uninsured. No one is turned away due to lack of ability to pay for treatment. 

Locations:

WCHC - Mount Vernon 

• 107 West Fourth Street Mount Vernon, NY 10550

  , (914) 699-7200

WCHC - Yonkers

• 30 South Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701, 

  (910) 968-4898

WCHC - Greenburgh

• 295 Knollwood Road White Plains, NY 10607, 

  (914) 989-7600

WCHC Lake Street 

• 25 Lake Street White Plains, NY 10603, 

  (914) 681-7181

   

Apple Education Discount - Receive exclusive discounts when you purchase qualifying items with your university email. 

Dell Education Discount - Exclusive prices for students on laptops and accessories, plus an extra 10% off and free software bundle.

HP Education Discount - Qualify for up to 40% your purchase using an education discount! 

Samsung Education Discount - Get up to 30% off of your purchase using the Samsung Education Discount!

The Bronx, Manhattan and Dobbs Ferry Campus Libraries have laptops available for on-campus full day loans. All you need is your Mercy Mavericks ID Card! Stop by the Circulation desk at any of these branches to check one out.

For more information, email: libresources@mercy.edu

Verizon's student discount allows eligible college and graduate students discounts on any Fios home internet plan and any unlimited mobile phone plan. Once eligibility is verified, you can start shopping for the right plan for your needs. Student discounts can be combined with our Mobile and Home Discount, which allows you to save even more when bundling services together.

To learn more about the Verizon student discount, click here: https://www.verizon.com/featured/students/

To qualify for Project 10Million, you must have a K-12 student in your household you’ll need to provide proof of enrollment in ONE of the following programs dated within one year of participation:

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT)
• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
• Medicaid
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Find more, here: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million

Do you qualify for $14.99/month internet?

You’ll need documentation showing your household income or enrollment in assistance programs, plus a valid photo ID. That’s it! Once you qualify, you’ll get instant access to low-cost internet plans, and one of our team members will personally help you get connected in your area: https://www.human-i-t.org/low-cost-internet/

Eligibility requirements: Here

Book store vouchers are available by request for students who have financial aid awards pending, are registered for classes and have excess funds available after paying tuition and fees.

Eligibility:

• Students must be matriculated and registered in the term in which book voucher is requested
• Students must have completed all required documents requested by Student Financial Services
• Student must have no outstanding prior balance with Mercy University
• Students must have Title IV, state, institutional aid, scholarships and/or certified loans that exceed their institutional changes

How to Apply:

• Students are eligible to apply for one (1) book voucher per term.  The maximum amount is $500.00
• Confirm through Mercy Connect or Student  Financial Services that you meet the eligibility requirements
• Bookstore vouchers can be requested two weeks prior to the commencement of classes through two weeks into the enrolled term
• Complete and submit the Book Voucher Request Form to Student Financial Services
• Students may purchase textbooks, paper supplies and required coursework materials such as software, blank CDs, lab/art supplies and calculators.  Other bookstores purchases are not permitted. 
• Online students should contact Student Financial Services at 1-877-MERCY-GO for assistance with this process.

• Library Genesis
• Open Textbook Library
• Free Computer Books (STEM majors)
• Project Gutenberg
• IntechOpen (Science majors)

• Thriftbooks
• Valore
• eCampus
• Biblio
• Amazon (rentals and kindle are the cheapest)