The Holistic Oasis for Parents' Education (HOPE) Program is a five-year National Science Foundation-funded research project that addresses the multifaceted needs of parenting students at Hostos Community College. This program serves as a vital resource for low-income, minority parents, acknowledging the challenges faced by a significant portion of the college's population. Preliminary quantitative and qualitative findings underscore the significance of addressing fundamental needs—such as food and childcare—and the complex ways in which access to basic needs spills over into academic success and non-cognitive factors related to academic success such as belonging. This panel presentation highlights our findings from our first two years, focusing specifically on belonging and the ways in which we encourage belonging through food and family. We center the experience of two HOPE Program alumna panelists and invite audience participation through a lengthy question and answer portion. The panel presentation will conclude by offering key takeaways directed toward broader impacts of our research and experiences.