The University of Dayton Student Crisis Fund has seen a dramatic increase in requests, as well as donations, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University has received more than 300 requests from current students for emergency aid, including help with groceries, personal items and in some cases transportation home, since the pandemic began. During the same time, donors have contributed more than $100,000 to the fund.

“Many of the students who requested aid were employed on or near campus, but those jobs are gone. However, their basic expenses, including the purchasing of food, transportation, etc., are still present,” said Jen Howe, vice president for university advancement. “Thanks to the donors who are contributing to this fund, these students are able to cover those needs and continue with their education at a time when their financial challenges would otherwise force them to stop. We thank the donors for putting into practice the University’s Catholic and Marianist tradition to care for others in community.”

Since it was established in 2010, the fund has helped about a half dozen students each year who have sudden, unexpected expenses because of a parent’s death, a job loss in their family, an injury, or many other circumstances. In 2019, 15 students whose off-campus homes were damaged by the Memorial Day tornadoes needed temporary housing, food and other essentials. 

Francisco Infante-Maymo, a junior studying mechanical engineering technology, applied for assistance for living expenses after the Center for Student Involvement where he had an on-campus job closed because of the pandemic. 

“The biggest reason I applied was that where I am from in Puerto Rico was put into a much worse situation without proper resources. If I went back to Puerto Rico now, I risked my health and would not have been able to attend classes at all,” he said. “The student crisis fund has helped me stay in Dayton so that I am not risking my health or my grades, because my biggest passion is to graduate as a UD student. I am safe here and just having that safety from the university, it’s just amazing. From the first day at the University of Dayton, this has felt like home.”

Applications from currently enrolled students are being reviewed as they are received. More information about the fund is also available on the University’s website.

Donations to the Student Crisis Fund can be made online.