The LiveWell Student Needs Navigator connects low-income UW students to resources found on campus at UW, in the local community, and at the state and federal level, to address students’ basic needs insecurities. The five basic needs insecurities that the Student Needs Navigator primarily works to address include: food insecurity, housing instability, and access to healthcare/health insurance, childcare, and technology resources. On campus, the Student Needs Navigator works closely with the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA), the Husky Health Center (previously called Hall Health Center), Housing & Food Services (HFS), and other offices. Off campus, the Navigator can connect students with Basic Food/SNAP benefits, low-income housing, and Apple Health (Medicaid), among other programs. Navigation services are free to currently enrolled UW students.
The Student Needs Navigator can connect currently enrolled low-income UW students to resources related to:
- Housing
- The Student Needs Navigator primarily provides assistance with students living in off-campus housing, as resources for students living in on-campus housing through HFS are limited.
- Food
- Childcare
- Healthcare/Health Insurance
- The Student Needs Navigator primarily provides assistance with Apple Health, not private health insurance.
- Technology Resources
How to schedule:
First, fill out the Student Needs Assessment, a brief survey that prompts you to identify your basic need(s) and other information necessary for the Student Needs Navigator to determine which resources may work best for your situation. Once completed, the Student Needs Navigator will send you a Calendly link that you can use to schedule an appointment. Appointments are offered both in person and over Zoom.
For your information:
- The Student Needs Navigation program does not have any independent resources, including direct funding, to address students’ basic needs.
- The Student Needs Navigator does not provide mental health services of any kind.
- The majority of resources that the Student Needs Navigator can connect students with have income eligibility requirements, therefore based on your gross monthly income, you may not qualify for navigation services.
- When it comes to state and federal level resources, eligibility is often based on immigration status, therefore it is important to know that F-1 visa holders are not eligible for the following programs:
- Basic Food/SNAP
- Food Assistance Program (FAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Childcare assistance via Washington Connection
- Apple Health (Medicaid)
Resources for Student Basic Needs – currently under construction
This page allows you to navigate through a variety of resources according to your basic need. Each resource will include a brief description of the services that are offered, eligibility requirements, and guidelines for the application process.