Basic Needs

From an email circulated this afternoon:

What you need to know:

• A new Basic Needs center will be coming to the Strathmore Building this fall.
• The center will house additional Bruin Pods and other new programs, and will bolster existing programs focused on basic needs.
• Special events scheduled for later this fall to signify the opening of the center will be announced soon.

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Dear Bruin Community:

As a public institution, UCLA takes pride in ensuring every student makes the most of the incredible opportunities and experiences on campus — this includes providing the resources they need to achieve their full potential.

That is why I am delighted to share news of the creation of a new center that will galvanize and bolster the many basic needs services provided to UCLA students. Located in the UCLA Strathmore Building, the center will be dedicated to expanding access to vital basic needs services for all students — this includes emergency support for students experiencing financial and housing crises, expanding the Bruin Hub, enhancing food access programs, and delivering programming for greater financial well-being. The center will enable UCLA to deliver services even more effectively by heightening the visibility and awareness of the resources offered, reaching more students than ever.

The expansion of our services through the creation of the center was made possible by a generous gift from two alumni. We hope this gift will inspire others to join our bold vision and further enhance programs, student support and staffing through philanthropy — sending a strong message that students from all walks of life and backgrounds belong on this campus.

I am grateful to Chancellor Block for his leadership in maintaining a strong focus on students’ basic needs at UCLA. UCLA, through the work of its Community Programs Office, Financial Wellness Program, Economic Crisis Response Team, and similar initiatives, has long been at the forefront of recognizing and providing for students’ basic needs. It is important to recognize the many staff, student leaders, faculty, alumni and community members who have made longstanding contributions to this work. The efforts of these individuals have led to the cultivation of many successful programs that will continue in their current locations on campus.

The establishment of this new center marks an important moment in UCLA history. Please be on the lookout for special programs related to the launch of the center coming later this fall. I invite you to join in this collective effort to ensure UCLA is a place where all students can thrive.

Sincerely,

Monroe Gorden, Jr.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 

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To hear the text above, click on the link below:

https://ia601402.us.archive.org/25/items/big-ten/basic%20needs.mp3