Basic Needs Collective

Basic Needs Collective

Now a part of the Center for Campus Wellness!

For Giving Days this year, we are asking on our community to support two key initiatives:

Introducing our new self-service model: The Wellness Exchange. This year, we established six self-serve resource spaces so students can access essential wellness items with ease, dignity, and accessibility in mind. These stigma-free spaces offer a variety of necessities such as:

• Shelf-stable or ready-to-eat food items
• New and gently used everyday and professional clothing
• Shoes and accessories
• Hygiene essentials
• Wellness kits

These quotes from students illustrate how the Wellness Exchange is transforming the college experience:

• “I am from out of state, where it never gets cold at all, so I was in search of some good jackets and hoodies. It was super helpful to have this available because jackets are pretty expensive and I am a full-time student who relies on financial aid and scholarships to get through school. I think it is super amazing that the U has things like [the Wellness Exchange] to help students get through the school year” – Undergraduate, first time visitor
• “The impact to my experience was immediate. When I am not worried about where my next meal is coming from, I can concentrate fully on studying and preparing for exams” – Graduate student, returner
• “Good, nice clothes [helps me] feel like I’m being taken care of” – Undergraduate, first time visitor

Basic Needs Continuation Award Scholarship

Our Continuation Award has helped students maintain and regain access to food, housing, utilities, and more. Your donation can help students continue their education at the U! We have found that 4 in 5 students who receive support from our center are able to persist in school or complete graduation.

Last year, we supported twenty-four students – four times as many students as we were able to respond to in 2024 – and thanks to your support with Giving Days, we were able to award these students with over $17,000 in scholarships during 2025. We have awarded over $39,000 in Continuation Awards since our founding in 2022.