aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week starts Monday, Nov. 18

The Basic Needs Hub is hosting several events from Nov. 18-22 for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. 

 All events are free for WWU students and employees and are open to all members of the community.

Author Stephanie Land

Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the PAC Concert Hall

Bestselling author Stephanie Land will be at Western on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Stephanie is the author of Maid (adopted into a miniseries on Netflix starring Margaret Qualley) and Class. She speaks and writes about college affordability, domestic violence, and navigating complicated systems. She also has a connection to the Northwest, describing in 2019’s Maid attending Skagit Valley College while balancing motherhood, employment, and complicated systems to make ends meet. Her second book, Class (2023), describes her time at the University of Montana and the challenges she faced of finishing college while continuing to navigate systems to provide her and her child stability. 

This talk will be the main event during the week, and tickets are required to enter the talk. Tickets are free for WWU students, and faculty and staff can either select a free ticket or purchase one as a donation (split with the WHOLE Pantry and Western Success Scholars). Tickets can be reserved online or by calling the WWU Box Office.

 

Sign up for SNAP Benefits (DSHS Mobile Truck)

Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Red Square

Any person who needs assistance with or has questions about the Basic Food (also called SNAP) application can stop by the DSHS Mobile Truck this day in Red Square.

 

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, Nov. 20 from Noon-1 p.m. in VU 735

Partnering with The Centers and offered during the standard Lunch and Learn time, we will discuss basic needs work at Western, support that is happening for students in Washington state, and resources students can access.

 

Real Talk: Building Housing and Food Security on Our Campus

Thursday, Nov. 21 from 3-4 p.m. in the Underground Coffee House

Open to all members of the campus community, this interactive and honest forum will explore where we want to go as a campus addressing student housing and food insecurity.

 

Free Flea Market and Resource Fair

Friday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the VU MPR

Students will have the opportunity to “shop” for free kitchen items and connect to basic need resources. If you or anyone you know has extra items in kitchen cupboards, donations are very welcome! Please donate gently used (or new) kitchen and cooking items. Utensils, storage containers, pots, pans, dishes, and small appliances are all greatly appreciated. 

Donation bins can be found in the following locations through November 21:

  • Basic Needs Hub • VU 420
  • College of Business & Economics SSC • Parks Hall 045
  • Tutoring Center • Wilson Library 280
  • Career Services Center • Old Main 280
  • AASAC • Old Main 387
  • Fairhaven College Office • FA 348