When Sam* lost everything in a devastating apartment fire just two months before graduation, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Basic Needs Center became a lifeline, offering critical aid to help them stay in school and graduate on time. The center helped schedule legal advising with Student Legal Services, provided emergency housing assistance and food aid, and offered financial relief. 

“The Basic Needs Center had a profound impact on my life during a time of unimaginable crisis,” Sam said. “Their unwavering support allowed me to stay on track with my education and graduate.” 

A staple of support 

Sam’s story is only one example of the center’s impact. Since opening in 2022, the Basic Needs Center has become a staple of support for thousands of students, connecting them to resources that help them thrive.  

Over the last three years, the center has added programs and expanded its outreach to help foster a sense of belonging by allowing students to focus on their education without the burden of food and housing insecurity. Today, the center assists students through financial assistance for housing, emergency housing placement, SNAP benefit enrollment, a food pantry and educational workshops, like financial literacy and meal planning. 

By the numbers 

• Over 1 million pounds of food and 900,000 meals distributed through the Buff Pantry and mobile food pantries 

• Over 24,000 on-campus meals provided to students through the Swipe It Forward program 

• $4.3 million saved in student grocery costs 

• $360,469 distributed in financial assistance for food, housing and other emergencies to support 215 students 

• 1,232 students reached through nutrition, housing, finance and wellness educational programs  

• 132 students assisted in applying for SNAP benefits since fall 2023 

Unless otherwise noted, the data reflects the Basic Needs Center’s impact since opening in the fall of 2022. 

Promoting student success 

The role of the Basic Needs Center goes beyond the numbers. Offering resources on campus reduces barriers that prevent students from seeking help, such as knowing community resources or needing transportation to reach them. Bringing resources to students is crucial in creating an environment where students feel valued and connected. 

Likewise, a recent study of CU Boulder students showed that food insecurity can negatively impact academic performance. By giving access to food and housing resources, the center aims to reduce the negative impact, allowing students to focus more fully on their education. 

“The Basic Needs Center creates a community of care where everyone can thrive,” said Hannah Wilks, interim assistant dean of students. “We aim to connect students to the resources they need to continue their education and succeed at CU Boulder.”  

The impact of giving 

Every contribution to the Basic Needs Center helps sustain a valuable program that improves students’ lives. Grace and Ray Michael, CU Boulder parents and donors, became aware of the center’s importance when their student attended the university. 

“We believe that students simply cannot reach their full academic potential if they are concerned with food insecurity,” Grace Michael said. “Over the past several years, we have witnessed the compassionate focus of the Buff Pantry and the Basic Needs Center on alleviating the immediate food and housing insecurity of students. We will continue to support the Basic Needs Center because we wholeheartedly believe in its mission and commitment to fostering success through stability and access to essential resources.” 

The Jane Bosart Foundation also contributes generously to the Basic Needs Center, guided by shared values and a lasting connection to the university. 

“The emergency fund at the Basic Needs Center directly aligns with our educational focuses as a foundation,” said Wallis Richardson Kinney (MCDBio’16), president of the foundation. “As an alum of CU Boulder, it is my honor to support current students. Students attending the university should not have their education altered or paused because of life’s emergencies. I hope the support we give to students helps them stay enrolled and finish their educational path.” 

Philanthropic investment in the Basic Needs Center affirms a simple truth: Every student deserves the chance to succeed without the burden of basic needs insecurity. With continued generosity, the center can build a stronger CU Boulder community.  

Whether through volunteering, donating goods or making a financial contribution, each effort directly impacts students’ lives and demonstrates a dedication to their well-being. Supporting the Basic Needs Center ensures it continues programming and meets students’ growing needs. 

Give now

*Name changed to protect student privacy.