More Than Just a Study Spot By Natalia Bedoya

For many PCCC students, the library, student lounges, and common areas are more than places to study or grab a quick coffee. As the weather turns cold and utility costs rise, the college campus quietly transforms into a crucial warming center—a safe, heated, and stable refuge from the cold realities of housing and utility insecurity. 

While we often hear about the struggle with food insecurity on campus, a less visible but equally damaging issue is the growing number of students who rely on PCCC for basic needs, such as a reliable source of heat, a comfortable chair, and a place to spend time when home might be unaffordable or unstable. This is not a sign of individual failure; it is a symptom of wider economic pressure, a crisis that severely impacts a student's focus, health, and ultimately, their ability to earn a degree. 

Students struggling with utility insecurity often arrive at school exhausted, having spent restless nights in cold homes or managing the emotional toll of choosing between paying for heat, rent, or textbooks. They stay on campus late, not just to finish an assignment, but because the library provides the stability and warmth that they lack elsewhere. 

This perpetual stress makes it nearly impossible to concentrate in class or retain information. If you find yourself spending excessive hours on campus to stay warm, please know that you are not alone, and help is available. 

The single most important step any struggling PCCC student can take is to connect with the PCCC Wellness Center. Think of the center as your confidential gatekeeper to a network of on-campus and Passaic County resources. 

• What they do: The Wellness Center specializes in connecting students to external support systems for housing assistance, utility bill assistance (LIHEAP), shelter services, and support for food insecurity. 

• How to connect: They provide personalized, confidential case management. A dedicated staff member will assess your unique needs and make direct referrals to resources that can help you pay bills, find stable housing, and reduce your overall financial stress. 

• Location: Paterson, Memorial Hall, M237 (Office: M251) and Passaic, Room 118 

While the Wellness Center is your first stop, several vital programs exist throughout Passaic County and New Jersey to provide immediate financial relief and emergency warmth. Knowing these resources can provide essential peace of mind.

The cost of heating is a major hurdle. The following state and county programs are specifically designed to help low-income households manage energy bills: 

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): A federal program that provides grants to help pay for heating and cooling costs. 

• USF (Universal Service Fund): Helps make electric and gas bills more affordable for income-eligible residents. 

• PAGE (Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric): Provides grants for households experiencing temporary financial hardships who are struggling to pay their utility bills. 

• Action Step: You can start by calling the NJ Utility Assistance Hotline at 800-510-3102 or contacting the Passaic County Weatherization and Home Energy Assistance Division at (973) 569-4032 for help with local applications. 

During extreme cold, certain locations open their doors as emergency warming centers. 

• NJ 2-1-1: This is the most critical number for immediate needs. Dial 2-1-1 (24/7) for up-to-date information on active Code Blue warming centers, temporary shelters, and emergency housing solutions in Passaic County. This line acts as the state's Homeless Hotline. 

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Local organizations can help reduce other financial burdens, freeing up money for essentials like rent and utilities: 

• Oasis, A Haven for Women and Children (Paterson): Offers hot meals, emergency food, and social support services. While their primary mission is specific, they are a powerful source of basic relief needs that can indirectly help students and their families. 

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If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member, please remain aware of the signs of distress. A student who is constantly sleeping in the library, spending every non-class hour in the warmest building, or expressing concern about high utility bills may be struggling with a basic need for security. 

We are a community college, and that means we are responsible for our community. If you see someone struggling, please encourage them to take that first, brave step and visit the PCCC Wellness Center. 

No student should ever have to choose between their education and basic survival needs. Let's ensure PCCC remains a true haven for every student on their path to success.