Western Carolina University is offering financial relief to students in need during this financial crisis created by the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to WCU’s site: “The funds may be used for rent, utilities, car repairs, medical and dental expenses, gas and other unexpected financial emergencies.”
“At this time, we have not implemented any changes to the eligibility or access to the fund,” says Lowell Davis, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Be a currently enrolled residential or commuter student (undergraduate or graduate) at Western Carolina University.
- Be able to document that the Student Emergency Fund is not the only resource being or has been used/considered to resolve the hardship.
- Be able to provide reasonable documentation of the hardship (i.e., bills, receipts, quotes, etc.)
- Be in good standing (including, but not limited to academic, conduct, etc.) with the University.
Another resource on campus, available to all, is Homebase, a college ministry that supplies students with basic necessities.
“Homebase is providing food packages for students who are experiencing food insecurity,” says Davis. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Homebase has seen a slight increase in students stopping by,” Davis added.
All events in the building have been canceled. Homebase has moved to an on-call service, instead of drop-in. A statement from Homebase’s Facebook page:
“If you need access to our building for food, clothing, or hygiene supplies please text us and we will open the door for you. If you need emergency housing text us and we will let you know what we have available. – Dr. Jim Dean (828) 508-0035 & Melanie Vick (828) 565-2019”
