Common Goods Resource Center
Looking for a winter jacket, sheets, toiletries or other essentials? Need funds to travel home? Have an unexpected medical cost? At Smith, we strive to provide dignified access to resources for students who find themselves in need. The Common Goods Resource Center offers centralized material and funding resources, and a consolidated list of offices and organizations that students can turn to for support.
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About Common Goods
Common Goods provides material resources, both new and gently used through Smithcycle, for students who otherwise may not have access to them. Available resources include winter gear, toiletries, cleaning products, linens, room essentials and a small array of food products.
Visit Common Goods on the lower level of the Campus Center, or use the PantrySoft platform to place an order online.
Stop In or Order Online
After completing your registration on the PantrySoft platform, you can schedule a pick-up at the Common Goods store. Or just stop by to see what’s available.
Common Goods Open Hours
We are closed for the summer and look forward to seeing you in the fall! If there are questions, please email commongoods@smith.edu. All end of year donations should be made through Smithcycle.
The Smith Social Network is your first stop to check for available funds, described in detail when you log in. To apply for funds, there are two applications. The Academic Funding Application lets you apply once for funds from various offices. Funds can be for textbook assistance, graduation clothing, travel, research projects, art supplies and more. The Emergency Funding Application lets you apply once for funds from multiple offices. The offices work together to review applications and meet your needs as quickly as possible. You can also check out the resources mentioned below in “Additional Support Services.”
To apply, log in to the Smith Social Network and click on the “Forms” tab at the top. Your information is confidential.
Additional Support Services
Primary Points of Contact for Funds
Please remember to first check the Smith Social Network, which offers one place to access the majority of available funds. A few resources not listed on the Smith Social Network can be found on the following two sites:
The Dean of the College
The Dean of the College offers descriptions of all available funds, including ones for Ada Comstock Scholars and specific funds by office that are not included on the two applications on the Smith Social Network. Review the tabs on the Financial Assistance by Office webpage.
The Smith Students’ Aid Society
The Smith Students’ Aid Society offers various grants to students in need. Most of these grants can be applied for through the Smith Social Network, but a few funds require a different application: Interterm & Spring Break Opportunities, Summer Study and Beyond Smith.
Where Else to Check When You Need Funds
- The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life can occasionally offer funds on a case-by-case basis
- The Student Government Association
- Your academic department (if you need funds to travel to a conference, check with the chair of your department)
- The Lazarus Center for Career Development for Praxis funding
- The International Students & Scholars Office is a great first stop for guidance for international students
- The Office of Multicultural Affairs offers emergency funds for students of color
- International Experience Grants are available through the Office for International Study
Can’t find what you need at the Common Goods store? There are a few other resources to check.
- Dress and business attire can be accessed at the Lazarus Center through their Suit Yourself Program.
- For gender-affirming clothing, contact the Resource Center for Sexuality and Gender at rcsg@smith.edu.
- Gently used coats are also available through the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Contact L’Tanya Richmond at lrichmon@smith.edu. Gently used winter apparel is also available from the Office for International Students and Scholars. Contact Caitlin Szymkowicz at cszymkowicz@smith.edu or interstu@smith.edu.
- The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life can provide material and financial resources on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to Maureen Raucher, mraucher@smith.edu, for more information.
- For more information about what donated gently used athletic equipment and practice clothing are available, please reach out to Kelsey Hunter at klhunter@smith.edu
Supplies for Safer Sex
Go to the Schacht Center or visit the health and wellness liaison in your house for details.
Technology
- Access loans of laptops, chargers, headphones and other technology at the library.
- Computer Science laptop loan program, contact Joe O’Rourke, jorourke@smith.edu.
- Check out the Imaging Center to borrow cameras, computers, iPads and more.
- The Smith Students’ Aid Society will offer up to $400 for a computer purchases
- Students with demonstrated financial need can request a long-term loaner laptop by submitting a Digital Support Intake Form.
This listing is not intended to be all-inclusive, and it does not imply an endorsement by Smith College.
Community Action Pioneer Valley
Provides information about resources in the area, with staff available to help you find ways to meet specific basic needs.
Northampton Survival Center
Operates two food banks and has a list of further community resources on their website.
Freeclinics.com
Lists free and income-based healthcare in the area.
Tapestry
Provides comprehensive community-based healthcare for adults and teens, including sexual and reproductive healthcare and more for free or sliding scale.
Western Massachusetts Community Mutual Aid
A network of local resources.
Dean of the College
- Department of Athletics and Recreation
- Office of the Class Deans
- Office of Disability Services
- Office of Student Affairs
Office for Equity and Inclusion
Integrative Learning
- Lazarus Center for Career Development
- The Design Thinking Initiative
- Wurtele Center for Leadership
- Center for the Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainability (CEEDS)
- Jandon Center for Community Engagement
- Conway Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
- Office of Fellowships and Postgraduate Scholarships
- Lewis Global Studies Center