S.H.A.R.E. Center
The mission of the Student, Health, Advocacy, Resource and Engagement (S.H.A.R.E.) Center at Palo Alto College is to build a foundation for student success through engagement, advocacy, and co-curricular experiences.
For advocacy support, please contact:
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Alamo Colleges partners with Opportunity Home—San Antonio (formerly San Antonio Housing Authority) to assist students in obtaining affordable housing. The current waitlist for housing in San Antonio is five to seven years; however, if eligible, this referral program can help students secure housing within three to six months through the college.
Register for the housing waitlist
For more information, contact the SHARE Center at PAC-SHARE@sanmingzhi.net
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The Dr. Mike Flores Emergency Aid Program is a vital resource designed to provide immediate, one-time financial assistance to students facing unexpected financial hardships. Recognizing that unforeseen expenses can pose significant barriers to academic success, this program aims to help students navigate challenging times by covering essential living expenses.
Eligible Expenses:
- Child Care
- Internet
- Rent/Mortgage
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Unforeseen Expenses: Addressing unexpected costs such as medical bills and car repairs.
Tuition, books, supplies, or fines are NOT eligible expenses for this program.
Funding Availability:
- Fall 2024: September 11, 2024 – December 6, 2024
- Spring 2025: February 5 – May 9, 2025
- Summer 2025*: June 12 – August 9, 2025
* Limited funding is available
To learn more, visit the PAC SHARE Center portal of AlamoEXPERIENCE. Online application
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Palomino Pantry
Palomino Pantry is your on-campus resource for food and essential items. We are dedicated to supporting our students' well-being by providing them with access to food and basic necessities.
Palomino Pantry operates on an appointment basis to ensure we can serve as many students as possible. Each student is eligible to visit the pantry once a month.
Our pantry offers a variety of items, allowing students to shop for what they need. We strive to keep our shelves stocked with fresh produce, non-perishable foods, personal care products, and other essential items.
Make an appointment to shop in the pantry:
Schedule an appointmentGrab-N-Go
Grab-N-Go lunch program is available daily for currently enrolled students. This program ensures that members of our campus community have access to meals. Visit us during normal operating hours to take advantage of this resource. ECHS (Early College High School) and Dual Credit students are not eligible for this service.
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Brief, solution-focused mental health counseling can be scheduled free of charge for enrolled students. Counselors are available by phone, email, or zoom during regular office hours. All sessions require an appointment. Email pac-counselor@sanmingzhi.net to schedule an appointment.
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Palo Alto College provides two convenient public transportation services for the campus community. These options are designed to simplify your commute, whether you're going to class or working on campus.
1. VIA Link Service
VIA Link operates within Zone #3 (VIA Link Madla) and is available 7 days a week from 5 am to 9:30 pm. You can catch a VIA Link ride at the following campus locations:
- Vet Tech
- PERF
- San Marcos
- San Jacinto
To learn more or to schedule a ride, please visit viainfo.net/link or call (210) 655-Link [5465].
2. VIAtrans Service
VIAtrans provides specialized paratransit services for eligible individuals who cannot utilize regular bus service because of a disability, and requires an application process. If you’re eligible, you can apply online HERE. VIAtrans operates 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., daily, and reservations can be made one (1) day to four (4) days in advance. VIAtrans pick-up locations on campus include:
- Rio Grande
- San Jacinto
- San Marcos
- Ozuna (North and South of the parking lot)
For more information and to start your application, visit viainfo.net/vos or call (210) 362-5050.
For your convenience a campus map with marked VIA pick-up locations has been linked below.
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Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS)The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) scholarship offers childcare tuition assistance for eligible Palo Alto College students at partnered childcare centers nearby.
For more information, contact Isabel Cavazos or Bryanna Noriega at pac-REFC@sanmingzhi.net or call 210-486-3502 |
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Palomino Clothes ClosetThe Palomino Clothes Closet is a valuable resource available to students, faculty, and staff, offering a selection of casual and career attire. Whether you need professional clothing for an interview or everyday wear, the |
Diaper ProgramThe Palo Alto College Diaper Program provides a month’s supply of free diapers and wipes to currently enrolled students that are parents. The Diaper Program is available through a partnership with the Texas Diaper Bank. To learn more, visit the SHARE Center portal of AlamoEXPERIENCE.
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Communities in SchoolsCommunities in Schools partners with Palo Alto College to help students navigate and re-engage in school throughout the year. We help students access resources such as technology, school supplies, emotional support, basic needs, and more. By providing another layer of support, students can overcome barriers to stay focused and enroll in college successfully. Communities In Schools is honored to serve all PAC students in their quest to graduate. For more information, visit www.cissa.org.
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Federal & State Benefits SupportA San Antonio Food Bank Navigator is available in the SHARE Center to assist students with completing various benefit applications such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, and much more. To schedule an appointment, send an email to Denise Morales at dmorales@safoodbank.org |
P.A.T.H. Foster Youth ProgramThe P.A.T.H. Foster Youth Program is a support system to put foster and adopted youth on a path to succeed in college. Located within Student Advocacy Centers, the program is available at all five of the Alamo Colleges. Student Care Advocates provide support and guidance to current and former foster and adopted youth. Certified advisors help foster and adopted youth with continued academic support and goal-setting throughout their time at the Alamo Colleges. Eligible foster students can receive referrals to services provided through the Alamo Colleges and by community partners. For more information, contact Michael De La Cruz at mdelacruz34@sanmingzhi.net |
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Texas 211 United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County |
Mental Health Crisis Hotline
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Suicide Intervention Services |
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San Antonio COVID-19 Hotline |
San Antonio Food Bank Through remote services, the S.H.A.R.E. Center continues to work with our partner agency the San Antonio Food Bank who hosts food fairs and pop up markets throughout the city of San Antonio. To learn more about the SAFB Food Fair program, please contact: SAFB Food Fair Department at 210-431-8424 or foodfairs@safoodbank.org. |
Programs are available to bridge the digital divide by providing students with free or low-cost internet service.
Free or low-cost internet and devices
Visit IT Services (Technology Resources) for additional technology resources and support.
SHARE Center is available to provide 30-minute classroom presentations regarding our services for any Palo Alto College course (remote and in-person).
SHARE Presentation Request Form.
(Requires ACES login to access the form)
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Carmen Velasquez-Avila Email: Phone:
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Email: Phone: |
Support the S.H.A.R.E. Center
At the S.H.A.R.E. Center, we believe every student has the potential to shine, no matter their challenges. Many face tough situations like food insecurity and financial hardships. With your support, we can provide essential resources to help them thrive. Every contribution, big or small, is vital in empowering our students to reach their dreams. Thank you for being part of their journey and making a difference!
