Raven's NEST

What we help with:

• RTC Food Pantry access
• Basic hygiene items
• Transportation assistance—including bus tickets and reduced ORCA fares
• Emergency food support
• SNAP/EBT applications
• Apple Health (Medicaid) applications
• Childcare assistance program applications
• Technology access

How to apply:

1. Meet with a Benefits Navigator (recommended)
2. Apply online

We can help you access funding for college, support you in money management, and build financial confidence.

What we help with:

• FAFSA/WASFA applications
• Scholarship applications (RTC and external)
• Emergency grants
• Document help
• Deadline support
• Budgeting
• Credit building
• Saving goals
• Financial planning
• One-on-one financial coaching
• Financial literacy workshops
  
  • Budgeting 101
  • Credit Basics

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Referrals to housing and utility resources, including our Student Resources Case Manager.

What we help with:

• Housing: emergency, short-term, long-term and homelessness prevention funding
• Navigation through housing search, signing a lease, moving in or out, and tenant rights and responsibilities

SSEH (Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness) Funding

Helping to stabilize housing and secure basic needs so students can accomplish their college goals and life objectives.   

• Grant aid for eviction prevention, move in costs, housing stabilization, food and hygiene
• Navigation through housing search, signing a lease, moving in or out, and tenant rights and responsibilities
• Resource/referrals for affordable housing, community support agencies and basic needs services
• Coordination of support and services into an individual student housing plan  

It is with the understanding that due to limited available funding students who have not been supported through the funds before will have priority over those who have previously received them. The funds are designed to be one-time assistance for an unforeseen circumstance/emergency that requires immediate support not a continually recurring situation.  Funding is not guaranteed and may not fully cover all housing expenses.  If we are unable to assist you with a financial grant, we will refer you to community resources as available.

Eligibility

If you are a current student (enrolled in at least one course) at Renton Technical College and you are experiencing housing instability or crisis, then you may be eligible for SSEH Grant assistance.  

Eligible students fall into at least one of the following categories:

• Currently experiencing homelessness. This could look like any of the following situations:
  
  • You are "couch-surfing" or temporarily staying with friends or relatives.
  • You are sleeping outside or in a vehicle.
  • You are sleeping at a temporary shelter.
  • You might have a place to stay right now, but it is not a permanent, long-term living situation.
• Currently experiencing housing insecurity. This could look like any of the following situations:
  
  • You are unable to pay rent.
  • You have received an eviction notice.
  • You are worried that you might lose your current housing.
  • You are worried you may become homeless if you do not receive support.
• Were in foster care at the time you graduated high school or completed a high school equivalency.

Documentation

You may be asked to provide any of the following:

• Proof of urgency, like a pay or vacate notice
• Eviction notice
• Official notification of lease violation due to unpaid rent. 
• W-9 for property
• Ledger for rent due or break down of move-in costs

What is an emergency? 

The following requests are not considered emergencies and will be denied: 

• Car maintenance (oil changes, brake replacement, tire rotation, etc.) 
• Class fees 
• Credit card bills 
• Financial aid repayment 
• Optional course supplies (items not required but encouraged) 
• Past debt 
• Reduced work hours to focus on school 
• Student loan payments 
• Supplemental income 
• Traffic violations 
• Travel (gas, Uber, Lyft, plane tickets, etc.) 
• Tuition

Emergency Aid funding is not a sustainable resource and cannot provide ongoing support for students and their families. Further, Emergency Aid funding cannot support emergencies that have taken place outside of the quarter.

SSEH Application

The Wellbriety Center is the hub for RTC’s collegiate recovery community. We welcome students who are interested in stopping or reducing their use of substances or other potentially harmful behaviors, as well as their allies. The Wellbriety Center exists as a place to study, hold meetings, hang out, and get to know other students. We have a library available for students to check out books related to harm reduction, sobriety, mental health, and supporting loved ones in recovery. 

We believe that students should not have to choose between their recovery and their education. The Wellbriety Committee works to reduce barriers and advocate for our campus community members in recovery. The Wellbriety Committee meets every other Friday at 1 p.m. Students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend.

What we help with:

• Addiction/recovery resources

Submit an Application

• Campus & Community Resource Directory 2025–2026
• Workforce Education & Grants Programs
• Find Washington AA Meetings Near You