The Valera NEST
The Valera NEST (a Nurturing Environment for Students to Thrive) is a renovated space within the University Student Union where students can access essential resources, build community and thrive as they pursue their educational goals. Born from compassion, collaboration and a shared commitment to student success, The Valera NEST centralizes access to food, housing, clothing and wellness services, including:
Basic Needs Offices
Care coordinators are available to assist students with resources related to food insecurity, emergency housing, financial support and wrap-around services.
CSUN Food Pantry
Current CSUN students, faculty and staff are welcome to visit the pantry weekly to pick up a wide range of food (including dry goods, produce and refrigerated items) and toiletries, with options to help meet a variety of dietary needs and/or restrictions.
CalFresh Outreach student advocates and CalFresh Healthy Living peer educators are available to guide students through the CalFresh application process and lead nutrition education sessions.
Ila’s Kitchen
An open lounge area with table seating, power outlets and food preparation areas, including microwaves and hot water dispensers for food warming.
Cold Food Storage
Refrigerated lockers may be used for storing food pantry orders after pickup or meals for eating while on campus all day.
Matty’s Closet
The CSUN Career Center’s Matty’s Closet is a free career clothing program that helps CSUN students rise with confidence by providing professional style tips and free, professional attire for interviews, new jobs, networking events and conferences.
Outdoor Lounge
Comfortable, shaded outdoor seating with device charging capabilities and flexible options for individual and collaborative use.
The Valera NEST unites vital campus partners—including the University Student Union, Division of Student Affairs, Office of Basic Needs, Career Center and the College of Health & Human Development—to foster belonging, well-being and holistic student success while normalizing the experience of students who seek supportive resources.
Special thanks to our generous donors Milt and Debbie Valera, Rick and Barbara Levy, and the CSUN Foundation. We also thank Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, CSUN President Erika D. Beck and the CSUN leadership team who were instrumental in making this project a reality.