Cardinal Operation Hope and Help

At times, students may be dealing with circumstances that lead to great financial duress, such as food insecurity because of the job loss of a parent/guardian or an abusive family situation that leads to loss of access to housing or transportation.

These kinds of major life concerns have increased on college campuses across the country, as well as on North Central College’s campus, and often carry with them a significant financial burden.

Cardinal Operation Hope and Help is excited to be able to serve students in some of the most challenging and difficult times in their life and academic journey. To contact House Liaisons Matthew Marjan, Vicki Williams, and Max Blalock, email hopeandhelp@noctrl.edu. 

Cardinal Operation Hope and Help provides emergency financial support for students with basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation and educational supplies. 

Students may submit an application for funds from Cardinal Operation Hope and Help once they have exhausted all other resources. Any funding provided by Cardinal Operation Hope and Help does not need to be repaid. Students must submit an application and appropriate documentation through the on-line form below. Students will also be required to have a brief meeting with a care coordinator to discuss potential funding. Funds are provided only when there is funding available. 

• Applicants must demonstrate serious financial hardship. This hardship must have direct impact on the student's academic success at the College.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled students at North Central College.
• Resources, including potential financial assistance from the Office of Financial Aid, must have been considered and either insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner in order to be eligible. 
• Applicants must complete the application found here, submit supporting documentation and be willing to meet with a care coordinator. 

The Giving Box is an on-campus resource that provides food and hygiene products to students at North Central College. Students are welcome to take what they need. You can find a Giving Box in various locations across campus, including:

• New Hall – Office of Residence Life
• Wentz Science Center – Room 106
• Harold & Eva White Activities Center – Second Floor Suite
• Oesterle Library

• For assistance with obtaining food and grocery items, you can contact Loaves & Fishes Community Services (630-355-3663) to register as a North Central College student and access their food market during their food distribution hours.
• Additional local food pantry options can be found on the DuPage County website. You can view their Food Pantry Map for all of the local DuPage County pantry locations, hours, and supplemental assistance with clothing, household goods, and more.
• Students may also qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

• Tuk Tuk Naperville provides rides at a low cost throughout the Naperville downtown area. To make a ride reservation, download the “Tuk Tuk Time” app or visit their website.
• BNSF Metra Train is located a few blocks from campus and provides transit to neighboring suburbs and downtown Chicago. To learn more about the schedule and ticket pricing, visit their website.
• DuPage County Transportation Programs & Resources provides different options for transportation needs.

• DuPage County PADS Housing Assistance Program assists individuals facing homelessness. They operate an interim overnight housing program and have different locations across DuPage County. To learn more, visit their website or contact them at (866) 682-3846, extension 2275.
• 360 Youth Services offers housing to youth experiencing homelessness, ages 13-24.
• Hesed House offers housing to individuals who are homeless or facing homelessness through their two on-site shelter programs and supportive housing programs. To learn more, visit their website or call them at (630) 897-2156.
• Housing is available on campus over all academic breaks. Additional information for the process is shared in the Housing Agreement with North Central College when students apply for living on campus.