Hunger and homelessness among college students is hardly a new phenomenon -- and the number of people going hungry across the U.S. is projected to have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meeting basic needs is essential to students being able to do well in classes and stay on track to getting a degree. IUPUI provides several resources, options and services to assist students in fighting these issues and overcoming barriers.
"One of our big goals is to create an open and inviting environment for students to understand that it’s not a big deal to stop by the food pantry or to reach out when they're struggling with housing insecurities," said Erika Thomison, resource coordinator for the Office of Student Advocacy and Support. "We can help students get connected to community resources if we can't help them directly."
Each year, Thomison and her team host events for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, a time when people to come together throughout the U.S. to try and end the stigma around food and housing insecurities among college students.
"It is important to develop a conversation, not only to bring light and awareness to the fact that we have students on our campus who are impacted by these circumstances, but also to showcase that there are students across the nation who struggle," Thomison said.
This year’s events will be hosted Nov. 16-19. All events are free and open to IUPUI students, faculty and staff.
Paws' Closet Donation Drive
Nov. 16-18, all day, Campus Center Atrium
Donate your gently used winter weather accessories and outwear to Paws' Closet. Think coats, hats, gloves, boots, scarves and more. Warm socks can be donated, but they should be new and in their original packaging.
Bring a Friend to the Pantry
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Paws Pantry, Level 1 of the Campus Center in room 130
Help us reduce the stigma and normalize the use of resources. Bring a friend to shop at Paws' Pantry and spin the wheel for a prize!
"Hungry to Learn" documentary screening
Thursday, Nov. 18, 5-8 p.m., Campus Center Theater
This documentary focuses on hunger and homelessness and how prevalent it is on college campuses across the U.S. After the screening, a discussion panel featuring people within the Indianapolis community who have experienced these issues will take place. Free popcorn and candy will be available for the movie, and free pizza and drinks will be provided for the discussion panel.
Jam the Pantry
Friday, Nov. 19, Paws Pantry, Level 1 of the Campus Center in room 130
Donate food and personal hygiene items to Paws' Pantry to help them stock up for the winter months.
Resources
- Paws' Pantry is available for students, faculty and staff to use for free with a valid CrimsonCard. You can learn more about the pantry online or email jagsfood@iupui.edu to chat one-on-one with a member of the team.
- Paws' Closet is available for students to use for free with a valid CrimsonCard. You can view current hours online or email pcloset@iupui.edu to chat with a member of the team.
- The Office of Student Advocacy and Support provides one-on-one advocacy and support to students who are experiencing a variety of issues -- including homelessness or food insecurity. Email stuadvoc@iupui.edu to set up a virtual appointment or join Zoom walk-in hours 12-3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
- The Registry of Options And Resources can be accessed at helpmeroar.iupui.edu. There you can find information and resources -- from financial services to legal services to health and wellness information -- all within a five-mile radius of IUPUI's campus.