UArts Cares
We are committed to providing an environment that fosters compassion and respect, as well as basic needs justice for all. We refuse to accept hunger, homelessness, and all other basic needs injustices as part of our university. The UArts Cares Fund was established to address these issues by providing equitable access to basic needs and essential resources that impact our student’s health, belonging, persistence, and overall well-being.
As a vital part of our community providing ease of access to those seeking food and housing security, sustainable income, access to online learning tools (technology/wi-fi), art supplies, healthcare and transportation, UArts Cares helps students easily navigate and obtain these resources and more throughout the academic year.
I would be overwhelmed without this support. I am extremely grateful for all the assistance that UArts Cares has provided me. Thank you so very much!
-UArts Cares user and Illustration Student
Eligibility and What to Expect
University resources, through UArts Cares, are available to currently enrolled students. If you are not currently enrolled please see the National and Community Basic Needs Resources link on this page.
In order for us to assess your need, students seeking services must fill out our UArts Cares Intake Form. Because we understand the urgency of your issue, we will reply to your inquiry as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours. Some students may only need help once or twice during a semester; for others, it might be a regular weekly need. Our staff will continue to check in with students throughout the semester to provide support, as needed.
A student who is at risk for homelessness after hours should call UArts’ emergency line at 215-717-6666 (or ext. 6666 if they’re calling from a campus phone).
*Students with campus meal plans are not eligible to receive services from our grocery gift card program.
National and Community Basic Needs Resources
Use these network links to connect to verified sources providing student assistance in your area.
BenePhilly is a free program with direct, one-on-one support to help low-income Philadelphian's enroll in critical benefits and services (SNAP, employment, healthcare, etc)
Search Philadelphia resources for local food access, free wi-fi, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, legal needs and more.
Search Philadelphia resources MAP to locate SNAP (BenePhilly) assistance, municipal services, housing, healthcare, veteran services.
Search national resources for obtaining rent, housing, utilities, food pantries in your zip code.
Search WiFi hot spots in your area for free internet access.
ComputersWithCauses is a national program that provides refurbished computers. There is a 30 day application review period.
The University of the Arts provides free software for currently enrolled students.
Food Programs in Philadelphia
Use these network links to connect to verified food resources providing assistance in the Philadelphia area.
Philadelphia Hunger Coalition connects Philadelphia residents to food pantries and soup kitchens in their neighborhoods and helps individuals apply for SNAP benefits.
United Way of PA
The Share Food Program
Why Hunger is a resource to connect you with resources, put in your zip code and set it for 25 miles for the best results.
Free Food PA
Food Not Bombs serves hot cooked food once a week maybe in several Philadelphia locations, but there are other cities. Each city may have several groups, search for Food Not Bombs Philadelphia on Facebook and find your neighborhood: North, South, or West. Then join that group to find out where and when they're serving freshly made food.
ACCT Pet Food Pantry provides food for pets not individuals.
Concerned About a Student?
For any concern about a student, whether academic or co-curricular, members of the UArts community should complete a CARE report. Any concern that is shared via Care Report will be routed to Student Affairs and will be handled with the utmost care and sensitivity but will also be reviewed fully in order to determine appropriate follow-up.
Contact UArts Cares
UArts Cares is managed by Student Affairs
Gershman Hall, suite 311
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday.