The LiveWell Student Needs Navigator serves as a bridge between students and resources (both on and off campus) to address basic needs insecurities impacting low-income students. The Student Needs Navigator works closely with on-campus partners like Financial Aid, Student Fiscal Services, Hall Health, the UW Food Pantry, HFS and others. UW students who are struggling with basic needs resources are eligible to work with the Student Needs Navigator for free (please note: out of state and international students are limited in what resources they are eligible for according to Washington State Law). The Navigator does not have independent resources to address needs or concerns but can help you connect with the services and programs that may benefit your individual situation.

The Student Needs Navigator can assist with resources Washington State students may need in these areas:

  • Housing (Non-HFS housing)
  • Food
  • Childcare
  • Healthcare/health insurance
  • Technology

Who do we work with:

Currently enrolled UW students experiencing basic needs insecurities who are low-income.

The Navigator does NOT work with:

  • Cash funds- we do not have access to funds that can be deposited into individual’s account
  • Emergency Housing changes in HFS–> HFS can help you navigate these requests
  • Psychiatric or psychological referrals for mental health treatment
  • Alcohol or Substance Use referrals –> instead, schedule with the AOD coordinator
  • Suicide Prevention referrals –> instead, schedule with the LiveWell SIP (Suicide Intervention Program) Coordinator

How do I schedule?

First step is to fill out this form. The form gives us the necessary information we need to prepare the appropriate resources and referrals. After you fill out the form, you will be emailed a copy of your responses. Forward this email to lwnav@uw.edu and we will respond with scheduling information.

Resources

Consumer Financial Bureau 

Prosperity Now 

  • A national non-profit focused on racial economic equity and has tools, guides, and research that can be used to inform the design of your basic needs model.

Benefits Hub Workshops 

  • Workshops hosted by United Way of King County Benefits Hub that provides information and resources on basic needs resources in the community including financial topics. The target audience is students, but workshops are free and available to anyone.

2-1-1

  • A free confidential community service and a one-stop connection to local services and resources that help to address basic needs. Can also be reached by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state.

Parent Help 123

  • A program of WithinReach, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on connecting families to health and food programs, resources, and information in WA state. Can find local resources or connect with a benefits access specialist over the phone.

WA Commerce 

  • State agency focused on enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. They fund local non-profits and local governments to provide assistance locally and thereby provide information about regional programs like rent assistance and utility assistance. 

Hunger Free WA

  • Funded by United Way of King County and No Kid Hungry to provide information and materials on local food resources for the community and especially children. 
  • https://www.hungerfreewa.org/ 

Immigrant Legal Resource Centerhttps:

  • An agency focused on improving immigration law and policy by training attorneys and community-based advocates who work with immigrants. They provide tools and resources on public charge and how that affects one’s ability to access public benefits. 

Basic Food

  • Application and eligibility for basic food program. 

Food Assistance Program

  • Application and eligibility for food assistance program. 

TANF

  • Application and eligibility for temporary cash assistance for families in need program.  

Childcare Subsidy

  • Application and eligibility for childcare subsidy program.  

Medicaid

  • Application and eligibility for Medicaid/Apple Health.  

LIHEAP

  • Directory of agencies that support with and process applications for federal utility assistance.

Affordable Connectivity Program 

  • Application and eligibility for Affordable Connectivity Program

DSHS Annual Reduced Cost Services Guide