Hawk Emergency Fund provides students resources amid COVID-19
Screenshot by The Signal Editor-in-Chief Brandon Ruiz-Peña
The Hawk Emergency Fund is a funding program available for students of the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) who find themselves in unavoidable emergency situations that place their college careers at risk, such as extenuating circumstances caused by COVID-19.
“This fund, established in 2017 in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, provides assistance to students experiencing unforeseen and unavoidable emergency circumstances that place their enrollment in classes at risk,” said Joe Staley, vice president for University Advancement in an email to faculty and staff on April 6. “Students reported needing assistance for food, rent, essential toiletries, computers/technology and school supplies.”
In the past, individual awards were available for up to $500. However, because of the overwhelming response from students requesting aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, current grant requests have been capped at $250 per student. This grant is open to currently enrolled students of UHCL.
“To date, we have received over 500 requests for financial assistance due to COVID-19,” said David Rachita, dean of students.
In order to determine eligibility, all applicants must apply through the Financial Aid Office. In order to be considered, the student must first file a FAFSA/TASFA/TPEG or already have one on file. Additional information may be requested.
“Awarding is a two-part process; first all requests are vetted through the Financial Aid Office to determine whether there are other monies available to assist these students,” Rachita said. “If so, that means specific Hawk grant funds are freed up to assists as many students as possible. The consideration to award Hawk funds then follows as part two of the process.”
The Hawk Emergency Fund is made up of donations given through gifts to the university. Currently, the faculty and staff at the university are being encouraged to donate through a multitude of ways such as online gifts, payroll deductions, annual giving, or even simply donating to the food pantry on campus.
“University Advancement (UA) oversees the donation aspect for the University and specifically communicates with its constituencies about the importance of the Hawk Emergency Grant,” Rachita said. “UA collects donations on an annual basis for this fund. As of April 21, 355 students have been awarded $172,081 either through financial aid grants or the Hawk Emergency Grant.”
This grant has helped UHCL students in the past with events like Hurricane Harvey. Between fall 2017 and spring 2018, 147 students who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Harvey were awarded $58,885 through this fund.
Emails sent out to those within the UHCL community via UHCL remind potential sponsors that no gift amount is too small, and every donation makes a difference.
“Numerous alumni, friends of the university and community members have expressed concern and asked how they can help,” Staley said in his April 6 email message. “To meet these urgent needs, UH-Clear Lake has set a bold goal of raising $250,000 for the Hawk Emergency Fund.”
In an email message sent out to the UHCL community March 27, President Ira K. Blake brought attention to students’ needs in support of the Hawk Emergency Fund.
“UH-Clear Lake has established the Hawk Emergency Fund specifically to address student hardship,” Blake stated in her March 27 message. “Some of the challenges faced by our students include a lack of access to computers and the inability to connect to Wi-Fi. Still, others are struggling financially because of work stoppages, leading to food insecurity as well as difficulties with shelter and living essentials. Our students need your help, and I ask that you support this very important initiative by giving now.”
Students who find themselves in need of assistance such as food and personal hygiene products can reach out to the Dean of Students office for access to the Hawk Pantry.
“The Hawk Pantry is available by appointment for pick-up and donations,” said Iliana Melendez, associate dean of students. “If someone is interested in donating are welcome to reach out to our office and schedule a time for donations”
Students who wish to learn more about the Hawk Emergency Fund and/or apply for a grant may do so by visiting the Hawk Emergency Fund webpage on the UHCL website.
“We urge anyone who has the financial ability to assist students to consider giving to the Hawk Emergency Fund,” Stately said. “Many students’ educational future depends on it. We want all Hawks to succeed, and we also want them to stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.”
Those who would like to learn more about the donation process and/or want to make a donation can do so by visiting the university’s Make a Gift webpage.
