In a recent study, it was found that a significant portion of CWRU students are facing challenges related to food and housing. 31.56% of student respondents reported being food insecure, and 3% were homeless. This semester alone, the efforts of the CWRU Community Pantry and the on-campus Mobile Food Pantry have been truly remarkable, serving a total of 2,410 people and providing 40,617 meals. Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week serves as a crucial platform for us to gain a deeper understanding of these issues on our campus and to provide information about the support resources available.

Join the Fight Against Hunger and Homelessness at CWRU

Understanding Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a serious concern that affects many students. It means not having reliable access to enough affordable and nutritious food. This can lead to worrying about running out of food before having the means to buy more. Some students may not be able to afford balanced meals, resulting in cutting or skipping them. Hunger often forces them to go without eating even when they are hungry because of financial constraints. In some cases, this can even lead to weight loss. The impact of food insecurity on students' well-being and academic performance cannot be underestimated.Another aspect of food insecurity is the constant stress and anxiety it causes. Students may constantly be thinking about where their next meal will come from, which can take a toll on their mental health. It is essential that we address this issue and provide the necessary support to ensure that every student has access to the food they need.

The Impact of Housing Insecurity

Housing insecurity affects individuals in various ways. It can include being unable to pay rent, facing unaffordable rent increases, having to leave a household due to safety concerns, or moving frequently. For some, it means temporarily living with relatives or friends, couch surfing, or staying in hotels without a permanent home. In some extreme cases, people may find themselves living in areas or spaces not intended for human habitation.The consequences of housing insecurity are far-reaching. It can lead to instability in students' lives, making it difficult for them to focus on their studies. It can also have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Addressing housing insecurity is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Comprehensive Basic Needs Resource Lists

To ensure that students have what they need, the Dean of Students Office has developed comprehensive basic needs resource lists. These lists cover a wide range of needs, including child care and parenting, clothing and laundry, financial stability, furniture and household items, hygiene and cleaning, legal assistance, health insurance, nutritious food, pets and emotional support animals, pregnancy and parenting, secure housing, SNAP, tax preparation and filing assistance, transportation, and utilities.Having these resources available is essential for students facing various challenges. It provides them with a safety net and helps them navigate through difficult times. The Dean of Students Office is committed to providing comprehensive support to students and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need.

The CWRU Community Pantry

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, the CWRU Community Pantry is here to support you. The pantry is open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members and offers a wide variety of perishable and non-perishable goods.The CWRU Community Pantry plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity on campus. It provides a source of food for those in need and helps alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with food insecurity. By supporting the pantry, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students.

Support and Resources

If you have questions or need support in navigating these resources, you can contact the Dean of Students Office at 216.368.1527 or at deanofstudents@case.edu. The office is dedicated to helping students access the resources they need and providing guidance and support.In addition, if you are interested in supporting the basic needs efforts on our campus, whether through volunteering, monetary or food contributions, or raising awareness, you can check out the Dean of Students Office website to learn more. Every little bit helps in making a positive impact on the lives of our students.