July 7, 2020—Thanks to the generosity of donors and the Humboldt Area Foundation, more than $20,000 was raised in support of Humboldt State University California Dream Act students in June. The funds will provide emergency financial support to Dreamers in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
During the month of June, all gifts in support of HSU Dreamers were doubled with a matching $10,000 grant from the Humboldt Area Foundation’s COVID-19 Regional Response Fund. Donors responded to the challenge, giving more than $10,000 in additional donations to provide crucial funding for undocumented students.
HSU Dreamer students are among those who did not qualify to receive the federal CARES support distributed in response to the pandemic. Like many HSU students, however, Dreamer students are in need of financial support to offset a loss of wages, secure housing, and afford basic needs during this time. While the State of California has provided support to Dreamer students, the funding is limited. The funds raised in June will help fill that gap, providing students with immediate relief support.
Beyond the circumstances of the current crisis, Dreamer students face additional barriers to covering their needs, as they are ineligible for up to $10,000 of funding typically available to HSU students.
“Without access to federal student aid like Pell Grants or loans, Dreamers really struggle to pay for their education and their basic living expenses while in school. These funds will be an enormous help in meeting the gap they have between the state aid they receive and their expenses. Thank you to all the donors who have been able to help,” said Peggy Metzger, HSU’s director of Financial Aid.
For those interested in continuing to provide emergency support to Dreamers, gifts can still be made through the crowdfunding page or by contacting 707-826-5200 or giving@humboldt.edu.