UM-Flint expands basic needs support with Wolverine Essentials renovation and emergency grants

The University of Michigan-Flint has expanded support for students' basic needs through a renovated Wolverine Essentials space, enhanced emergency grant funding and new initiatives informed by a comprehensive basic needs survey conducted in fall 2024. The university celebrated the reopening of the space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Jan. 29, as part of UM-Flint's Week of Wellness celebration.

The event showcased a newly revitalized space designed to offer students access to basic needs services and resources, linking them to supplemental food, housing, gently used clothing, toiletries and other basic needs resources. The revitalization allows Wolverine Essentials to serve more students and remove barriers and stigma around accessing basic needs support. The expanded facility represents a tangible commitment to meeting students where they are and making it easier for them to access the resources they need.

Listening to students' realities

In November 2024, nearly 2,000 UM-Flint students participated in the Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey, providing one of the clearest pictures to date of the challenges students face in meeting essentials such as food, housing and mental health care. More than half of the students surveyed had experienced some form of basic needs insecurity. Among those, 37% had faced food insecurity, while 41% had encountered housing insecurity. Additionally, 10% of students reported experiencing homelessness.

The data reveal the depth of these challenges: 47% of students indicated they could not afford balanced meals and 38% expressed concern that their food supply would run out. Students also reported high rates of anxiety and depression, and shared that financial barriers and limited awareness of available resources often prevented them from accessing help.

"Our students shared important information about their experiences through this survey, and we are committed to using these insights to expand our support systems," said Christopher Giordano, vice chancellor for student affairs. "When we expand our ecosystem of support to meet students' diverse needs, they can focus on what matters most-their education and their future."

Wolverine Essentials is now open

In response to those survey findings, UM-Flint has continued to expand Wolverine Essentials, located on the third floor of the Harding Mott University Center. t With expanded food options, increased clothing storage and additional office space for staff to provide individualized assistance, the space is now welcoming students.

"This new space makes it easier for students to find Wolverine Essentials and creates a welcoming, dignified environment where we can expand available options and better connect students with the resources they need to remain engaged and succeed," said Beth Green, student affairs case manager.

Wolverine Essentials is part of the Office of the Dean of Students within the Division of Student Affairs, and is designed to connect students not only to on-campus resources, but also to public programs, state benefits and community supports that address food, transportation, housing and health needs. Current hours of operation and additional details are available on the Wolverine Essentials website.

Expanding emergency and basic needs support

UM-Flint is expanding funding for its emergency and basic needs grants, administered through DSA, to help students address immediate financial hardships that threaten their continued enrollment. These grants are available to eligible students through the DSA Student Grant Program.

The Basic Needs Grant provides support for immediate, essential expenses, including housing, food, educational supplies, transportation, child care, and medical costs. The Emergency Grant covers unexpected one-time expenses, including travel related to family emergencies, temporary housing after a natural disaster or crisis, and critical car repairs. To qualify for either grant, students must be currently enrolled with an appropriate course load, in good academic standing, and able to demonstrate hardship with supporting documentation. The ability to create a new grant category focused exclusively on student basic needs was made possible through a state of Michigan Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential student success grant.

"These grants exist because we recognize that sometimes students face circumstances beyond their control that threaten their ability to stay enrolled," said Giordano. "By providing quick access to emergency and basic needs funding within an environment of compassion and respect, we're removing a significant barrier that could otherwise force a student to leave school during a critical moment."

In addition to Wolverine Essentials, the university is expanding its health and well-being support efforts through enhanced mental health services, increased health promotion and education, and integrated spaces and resources, as well as active participation in the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network.

Student support resources

UM-Flint's expansion of basic needs support reflects a comprehensive institutional response to student challenges documented in the fall 2024 survey. Through the renovated Wolverine Essentials space, expanded emergency and basic needs grants, and integrated health and well-being programming, the university is creating multiple pathways for students to access the support they need.
Students who are struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, financial hardship, or mental health challenges are encouraged to reach out. For more information about available resources, visit the Student Basic Needs page or contact DSA.