Each week, “Answer Key” aims to help families by responding to an important question about education and schools in Greater Houston. If you have a question for us to answer, please email us at education@houstonlanding.org or fill out the form at the end of this article.

This week’s question:

Where can Houston college students get help finding textbooks, food or other support?

While community college is a more-affordable higher education option for tens of thousands of Houston-area students, an unexpected issue or expense can easily derail budget plans.

Houston Community College and Lone Star and San Jacinto colleges each offer different resources — including financial aid, food and technology — to students who need support. Here’s where to find them.

Where can I find help purchasing textbooks?

Any financial aid, such as grants or loans, left over after paying tuition and fees can generally be used to cover the cost of course materials. Each college also offers several programs that can help cut down the cost. 

HCC’s “Z-Degrees” are a list of degree plans the college offers that use free books. The “low-cost books program” lists classes with required course material under $40. 

Lone Star allows students to request an advance of financial aid to buy course materials from the college’s bookstores. See how to request assistance here. 

San Jacinto’s “Open Books” program is offered for 65 percent of the college’s courses. Students can filter by “no cost” courses when enrolling, which includes classes that use only free and online educational resources. Filter for “low cost” courses to see classes with materials that cost under $50 at the college’s book store.

Where can I find food assistance?

HCC operates “eagle markets” across many of their campuses where students can pick up free canned food, non-perishables and some produce. The college also periodically hosts grocery distribution events. See hours and location details here.

Lone Star students can receive food from cafeteria services on each campus through a meal voucher program. Sign up here. Several campuses also house food pantries for students to obtain groceries. Find them here: 

San Jacinto students can receive up to 30 pounds of groceries each week at the college’s “San Jac Marketplace,” located at the college’s Central, North and South campuses. Staff members assist each student when they show up. See hours here

Where can I find technology and internet assistance?

HCC libraries have over 500 laptops and tablets that students can check out to use on campus and at home for one semester at a time (see this link to sign up). Students can also check out free mobile WiFi hotspots from the library. The “Silver Eagle” program also helps students aged 55 and over receive a free Dell laptop. Call 713-718-5882 for assistance. 

Lone Star offers laptop and iPad rentals to first-year students. Find instructions for requesting a device here.  Students at several campuses can also check out WiFi hotspots for a semester at a time here. 

San Jacinto offers “Loaner MiFi” internet devices for students to use at home at no charge. Students in need can also request a laptop computer. Submit a request here.

Where can I find help with other needs?

HCC offers an assistance program called “HCC Cares” that helps equip students with hygiene products, houseware, bedding and more. Fill out this application and the college will send you a list of resources that meet your needs.  You can also contact your counselor for further assistance. 

Lone Star’s “CARE for Completion” program offers students clothing, mental health, housing, wellness, legal and child care support, among other resources. Complete the CARE request form here. 

San Jacinto offers a list of child care resources, such as day care, tuition-free preschool for low-income families and grants for students who need help paying for child care. See this link for more details. If a student wants help with housing, clothing, financial emergencies and other needs, the college’s Dean of Student Support Services can point them to proper resources.

Miranda Dunlap covers Houston’s community colleges in partnership with Open Campus. Despite roughly half of Houston’s higher-education students attending community colleges, there hasn’t been much news covering these systems or students — until now. Her reporting holds institutions accountable, highlights barriers faced by students and helps them navigate their opportunities. Reach Miranda at miranda@houstonlanding.org or on Twitter and Instagram.

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Miranda Dunlap is a reporter covering Houston Community College, Lone Star College and San Jacinto College. She reports in partnership with Open Campus. Her work focuses on highlighting opportunities available...