Student Need

Imagine a student who dreams of becoming a teacher, nurse, scientist, or artist but struggles daily to find enough food or a safe place to sleep. This is the reality for college students nationwide who are juggling their academic aspirations with the challenge of their own basic needs. 

According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study conducted in 2020 by the U.S. Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics, 23 percent of undergraduate students and 12 percent of graduate students experience food insecurity, while 8 percent of undergraduates and 5 percent of graduate students experience homelessness.

The cost of higher education extends beyond tuition. Housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology are all essentials that some students cannot afford. Research shows that when students' basic needs are unmet, their academic performance, mental health, and chances of graduating are at risk.

But there's good news—you can make a difference.

Helping Hounds Student Fund

The Helping Hounds Student Fund provides flexible support to students experiencing basic need insecurities or navigating unexpected hardships. Born out of our students' critical need for food, shelter, transportation, and other essentials, the fund is dedicated to empowering students to not only stay in school but to thrive. You can provide a meal for a student studying late into the night, a safe place to rest after a long day, or funds to purchase materials that unlock their academic potential.

Together, we can create a world where no student has to choose between their education and survival. Every dollar counts, every act of generosity matters, and every student deserves the chance to succeed.

Mo's Cupboard

The Helping Hounds Student Fund supports Mo's Cupboard, Moravian's on-campus food and resource pantry, which will have a dedicated space in the new Haupert Union Building student center, opening in fall 2025. Due to increased student need, the pantry will be six times larger than its original size and have a dedicated storage space where volunteers can sort donations. You can support Mo's Cupboard and food insecurity with a gift to the Helping Hounds Student Fund.

The Helping Hounds Student Fund provides unrestricted aid to students in any capacity Moravian University deems appropriate. Contributions support Mo's Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry; Mo's Fund, which provides targeted support for students experiencing expected hardship; as well as housing assistance, travel stipends, books and educational resources, and more—ensuring students have the essentials they need to succeed. If you’re passionate about supporting a specific cause or initiative, contact development@moravian.edu and a member of the Development & Alumni Engagement team will gladly assist you in making a meaningful difference.