Basic needs are the essential resources that are necessary for a person to sustain their health and well-being. Especially in college, these resources can be difficult to come by making essential processes exceptionally difficult for students. This is exactly what the basic needs program at The University of Oregon aims to combat. As stated on their Instagram, the main goal of the program is “To actively strive to reduce systemic barriers to accessing nutritious food, stable housing, and financial wellness through culturally responsive frameworks.”
The Basic Needs program provides private, but not confidential (Basic Needs staff are mandatory reporters) support for students experiencing basic needs insecurity. On top of this, they offer referrals and campus resource navigation, empower student self advocacy, and advocate for productive change on campus to support the well-being of the student body at UO. Here are some of the great resources offered by the program.
Academic Support
Purchasing textbooks and other necessary school supplies is something every college student has to face at one point or another. Those without the necessary resources can come to the Basic Needs program for textbook subsidy and graduation regalia support. The Duck Store provides a total of $3,750 every term in the form of academic supply gift cards (only valid for purchasing books and other supplies). Since the summer of 2022, The Duck Store has contributed $30,000 to the program.
Food and Housing
Food and housing are the most essential sources for the health and safety of a college student, and there are several options available here for student support. There is a student food pantry, a campus produce drop, SNAP support, and a free meal every Thursday night for food-insecure students at Hearth & Table in Eugene.
For housing, Basic Needs provides housing subsidies for those behind on rent or utility payments, as well as emergency temporary housing for those in need.
In the link below, all resources provided by the Basic Needs program are available. If you or someone you know could benefit from the program’s resources, or you are interested in volunteering, please fill out their assistance form.
Resources:https://linktr.ee/uobasicneeds