Basic Needs
Vision Statement
To be a resource students can reach out to for peer connection when needed, and to provide education and resources using a student perspective. We will achieve our mission by ensuring that all programs and events have a dedicated and expressed purpose and need. This includes spending the department budget on initiatives meant to give back to the student community. We will foster inclusion by ensuring all students can access the department and its unique initiatives and resources, and that if there is something that the department cannot provide, they are directed to the appropriate resource(s).
Key Projects
Emergency Housing Pilot Program
Addressing the critical issue of homelessness among the student body, the department collaborated on legislation to allocate $37,000 for an emergency housing program. This pilot initiative, operated by the CSU Office for Basic Needs, provides an immediate safety net for students facing housing instability, ensuring they have a secure place to stay while pursuing their education.
RamBand Harm Reduction Initiative
To combat drug-facilitated incidents and enhance social safety, the department distributed harm reduction kits containing drink spike test strips and cup covers. The high demand for these resources—evidenced by 47 kits being claimed in just over 15 minutes—demonstrates the project’s vital role in empowering students with the tools to protect themselves and their peers.
Thanksgiving Meal Kits
Bridging the food security gap during the holiday break, the department assembled and distributed 150 Thanksgiving meal kits containing staples like mac ‘n’ cheese, green beans, and potatoes. This project provided immediate relief to students remaining on campus who might otherwise face hunger when dining halls and other resources are limited.
Wellness Wonderland & Emotional Support Alpacas
Focused on alleviating finals-week stress, this event brought emotional support alpacas to the LSC Plaza, creating an accessible entry point for mental health conversations. By combining an engaging activity with resource education, the initiative lowered the barrier for students to seek help and provided a tangible morale boost during a high-pressure academic period.
Project Purify
Recognizing the impact of environmental health on academic success, this initiative developed a checkout system for air purifiers in collaboration with front desk services. This resource supports students living in dorms who suffer from respiratory sensitivities, directly improving their living conditions and ability to study in a healthy environment.
Want to dive deeper?
For more information, you can go through the Basic Needs Department Monthly Reports on the right. These provide in-depth information on the month’s accomplishments, current projects, future plans, a breakdown of the Director’s Timesheet, Budget Breakdown, Goals, and Sibling Branch Engagement.
Also, feel free to contact Director Lauren Davis with any questions!