“We’re so excited to see continued support of student’s basic needs by the California Legislature. This funding will help so many of our students in providing direct services, grants, and improved infrastructure.” -Ravin Craig, Health Educator, Coordinator Oh SNAP Student Food Programs
The funding will allow the University to continue and expand a number of programs that address food and housing insecurity among students, including the Oh SNAP! Student Food services and programs. In addition to an on-campus food pantry, Oh SNAP! assists students applying for CalFresh and health insurance, offers cooking demos and recipes, and launched a redistribution program for students with leftover meal plan points to share them students in need.
HSU’s Emergency Housing Fund places students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in temporary housing on campus. And a housing liaison, hired in fall 2018, helps students connect with housing, learn about housing rights and how to be a good tenant, and more.
The funding will also support basic needs research conducted by the Department of Social Work. Social Work Professor Jennifer Maguire has been working closely with the CSU Chancellor’s Office on the Basic Needs Initiative, and in August co-wrote a report that gives campuses and organizations recommendations and best practices for helping students find food and housing security.
The allocation includes $560,000 in Basic Needs Partnerships funding and $80,000 in Research & Innovation Award funding. HSU’s basic needs programs support the CSU Chancellor’s Office’s Graduation Initiative 2025, by helping support students in their path to a degree.
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