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Meeting Basic Needs

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Student Emergency Fund

The OHSU-PSU SPH Student Emergency Fund has been created to provide limited emergency financial assistance to currently enrolled SPH students who are experiencing unanticipated financial hardship resulting from emergency or crisis situations. If your current need aligns with the fund’s purpose, please submit an application to the Student Emergency Fund, for review by the SPH Associate Dean for Social Justice’s team. Each student applicant for the fund will receive a set payment in the amount of $100 until the fund is depleted.

Click Here for More Information and to apply.

Other Emergency Funds

Portland State University offers short-term financial assistance to students during times of crisis by providing financial support where a clear need exists.

In addition to the General Student Emergency Fund, there are funds that are retained and managed in many of the schools, colleges, and resource centers. These funds are available for enrolled students who participate in those programs. Please contact these departments directly in order to learn more about the availability of these funds. Consult this page for more information.

Please note that, if awarded, some hardship funds are taxable.

PSU CARE Program

The PSU CARE program connects students with resources when they are experiencing distress. All currently enrolled and recently enrolled students, as well as parents and families, and faculty, staff, and advisors are welcome to connect with CARE and request assistance on behalf of students. In addition to responding to crises, CARE helps support students before problems arise or issues become more complicated. Issues CARE can help address include but are not limited to

  • Suicidal ideation or attempts
  • Activities or events that may impact the campus and/or surrounding community
  • Activities or events that may impact a student’s ability to stay in school
  • Medical emergencies and communicating with faculty
  • Food and/or housing insecurity
  • Mental health challenges

For more info, visit PSU’s CARE website.
To connect with CARE or schedule an appointment, contact askdos@pdx.edu or call 503-725-4422.

If you need an immediate 24/7 response, call 503-725-4404 (Campus Public Safety Office) and/or 911.

If you have a concern that does not require immediate attention, submit a CARE Referral and the team will follow up with you within two business days. Note: If you submit a referral outside business hours of M-F, 8am.-5pm. or during a university observed holiday, it will be reviewed within the following two business days.

The PSU Landing at FUMC

The PSU Landing at FUMC is a collaborative effort between Portland State University, First United Methodist Church and community members that provides temporary, safe-haven housing in the to PSU students navigating severe housing insecurity or homelessness. No religious activity occurs in the Landing, which offers hot showers, laundry, secured storage, stable WiFi and study space, visually private sleeping pods, and other resources 7 nights/week with meals.

If you know of a PSU student, or are a PSU student, who is navigating housing insecurity or experiencing homelessness, contact PSU’s Dean of Student Life’s CARE Program to make a referral or learn how to register for a space at the Landing. You can call the Dean of  Student Life Office at 503-725-4422 or you can email the CARE Program and Student Life Office at askdos@pdx.edu. For additional info, visit the CARE website.  For a student in crisis, you can also make a direct referral to the CARE Program using this Referral Form.

To learn more about our transitional housing program, including FAQ, please visit https://fumcpdx.org/landing/

In-person volunteer roles are currently open for students and student groups. To find out more, visit the website: https://fumcpdx.org/landing/ 

Food Assistance

PSU’s Committee for Improving Student Food Security (CISFS)

CISFS seeks to improve students’ access to affordable, nutritious, culturally relevant food.

Free Food Market – The Free Food Market is a partnership between the CISFS and the Oregon Food Bank that brings FREE fresh produce and other food items to PSU students and the greater PSU community.

  • Free Food Market is held every month on the second Monday, downtown on the South Park Blocks, near Shattuck Hall
  • Food distribution begins at 9:30am
  • Food distribution ends at 11:00am
  • BRING YOUR REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG. Bags are not supplied and items can get heavy.

The committee also maintains a list of on- and off-campus food resources.

OHSU Student Health & Wellness Food Resources

OHSU’s Center for Student Health and Wellness works on issues of campus food insecurity and has resources to help SPH graduate students obtain free or low-cost nutritious food. 

SHW Guide to Student Food Resources

OHSU’s Food Resource Center

  • OHSU students: Order up to 15 free grocery items each week, for pick up at the Student Center or delivery to your Portland-area home.
  • Local food and other resources during this COVID-19 time
  • OHSU Food Resource Guide with on-campus and nearby food options, refrigerator and microwave locations, and community resources
  • 10% student discount at OHSU dining locations: OHSU’s Food Insecurity Task Force, the Provost’s Office, Student Health and Wellness, and Food and Nutrition Services have partnered to offer a 10% discount for OHSU students. Just swipe your OHSU student badge at check out at OHSU-owned dining locations to receive 10% off. View the flier for a list of locations offering the discount.