Student Affairs + Campus Diversity
Basic Needs Center Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, This past academic year has presented its fair share of challenges for basic needs. With government shutdowns and the rising cost of living, our students have felt the pressure, and many have questioned whether they can continue their education. But students continue to show up and get involved. I found inspiration in their perseverance and innovation and was called to meet their energy. I was also deeply inspired by the basic needs team itself. This group of elite professionals, who manage crises and think creatively every day, is at the core of the support we provide. This work could not be done without them, nor without our donors, who are willing to put their trust in this team. Thank you for investing in the people impacted by the Basic Needs Center, including professional and student staff, as well as the entire SDSU student community.
Evie Baez, MSW Director, Basic Needs Center & Economic Crisis Response Team
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward LaGrandeur Food for Thought Fund The LaGrandeur Food for Thought Fund has provided critical support to SDSU students experiencing emergency food insecurity by funding grocery gift cards for use at grocery stores that prioritize healthy and sustainable food options, including Sprouts Farmers Market and Windmill Farms. Through this support, students have been able to access fresh produce, nutritious food options, and essential grocery items that may otherwise be financially out of reach during times of hardship, while reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with food insecurity. Day of Giving Anonymous Match A generous matching gift provided during SDSU’s Day of Giving significantly expanded support for the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), increasing the resources available to students experiencing urgent financial hardship and strengthening SDSU’s ability to respond quickly to student emergencies, ensuring that more students received timely assistance when they needed it most. Through ECRT, students are able to access immediate support for essential needs such as safe housing, food, transportation, and other basic living expenses, as well as receive one-on-one support for their specific situations. These resources help students remain enrolled, focused on their studies, and connected to campus during times of crisis. Hervey Family Foundation Basic Needs Center Fund A generous gift through the Hervey Family Foundation Basic Needs Center Fund has provided critical support for students who are balancing the responsibilities of higher education and parenthood. Student parents often face unique financial challenges as they work to meet both their academic goals and their families’ basic needs. This funding helps alleviate those pressures by providing assistance for essential expenses. By helping student parents access resources that support family stability, this funding enables them to remain focused on their education and continue making progress toward graduation.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Ali Inaya, Class of 2027 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Engineering Major: Mechanical Engineering The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) has been an exceptional source of support throughout my journey at San Diego State University. From the very beginning, they have consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, care, and dedication to student success. What stands out most about the team is their genuine commitment to helping students navigate challenges and make the most of their academic experience. Whenever I have had concerns, whether food-related or financial, ECRT has always responded with thoughtful guidance and effective solutions. They don’t just provide quick answers, they take the time to understand and address each situation and ensure that the outcome is as beneficial as possible. This level of attention has made a significant difference in my confidence and ability to move forward during difficult times. An impactful aspect of their support has been their ability to connect me with valuable resources. They make sure I am aware of opportunities that I might not have found on my own, which has helped me grow both academically and professionally. Their proactive approach has allowed me to stay on track and even get ahead in certain areas of my studies.
Student Spotlight
Galanda Nicoleau, Class of 2028 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Engineering Major: Electrical Engineering I initially reached out to the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) due to not having a place to stay because of my decision to leave a religious organization. My parents were not accepting of this decision and had told me I was not allowed to live with them. This, of course, left me at risk of being unhoused and financially unstable. The ECRT services impacted me and my academic journey in the best way possible. Knowing that I had a community of people who would not only listen to my story but also do everything they could to help me took away the biggest burden I was holding: thinking that I had made the biggest mistake in leaving the religious organization and my parents’ home. Having the burden lifted has allowed me to continue and focus on my academics. With the help of the ECRT and its staff, I was able to express my true self and learn to live on my own. I was also able to build and know that there is a community that helps students who deal with a similar situation, like me. I am eternally grateful for the ECRT services.
“
With the help of the [Economic Crisis Response Team] and its staff, I was able to express my true self and learn to live on my own.
”
Student Spotlight
Desirae Mota, Class of 2027 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Arts and Letters Major: History I was in a tricky situation when I first came to the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT). My family's financial situation had changed dramatically after my stepfather became paralyzed and was no longer able to work. Unfortunately, as many of us know, FAFSA uses income information from two years prior to the academic year, so my aid package didn't reflect my current situation. That's when I decided to reach out to ECRT. From the very beginning, they encouraged me to submit an appeal and guided me through this overwhelming process. Even though ECRT had no direct control over the outcome of the appeal, the team member assigned to me stayed involved every step of the way. They checked in regularly, directed me to food pantries, told me what ECRT had to offer, and even reached out to their financial aid contact for updates. This level of commitment and care made all the difference for me. I truly do not think I could have gotten through the process without their help. If you're considering reaching out, please trust this department. They truly go above and beyond for the students on this campus.
“
[The Economic Crisis Response Team's] level of commitment and care made all the difference for me.
”
Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Recent Highlights The Basic Needs Center (BNC) recorded 8,344 check-ins and distributed 3,155 Basic Needs Kits. BNC supported 1,057 students with CalFresh enrollment and/or recertification. In addition, 1,673 individual Economic Crisis Response Team requests for assistance were submitted. BNC events and programming reached 1,052 students throughout the year. Students received $55,207 in emergency gift card support for transportation and food, with an additional $109,252.05 in support for parking permits and MTS passes, including $84,109.05 for parking and $25,143 for MTS passes. Emergency financial assistance included $253,338 for housing, $67,318 for basic needs, and $81,936 in emergency funding for Rapid Rehousing students. The Basic Needs Center hired its first Social Media Student Assistant to strengthen student outreach through Instagram and marketing initiatives, as well as its first programming student assistant to support event coordination, tabling, presentations, and peer engagement. Launched new campus-wide initiatives, including the inaugural Housing Resource Fair and “Love is SDSU” programming series. In spring 2026, the SDSU Basic Needs Center hosted its inaugural Free Market, the highestattended event to date, serving 368 students. The event provided SDSU students with free household goods, clothing, parenting supplies, technology, and other essential items donated by SDSU community members, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators. The event was held in the rose garden in front of Hepner Hall and featured partnerships with the SDSU Pride Center, which operates a year-round, gender-affirming clothing closet; Sharia’s Closet, a community organization providing free clothing and essentials; and Our Yard, an SDSU student-owned startup focused on connecting students with low-cost, previously loved items. In addition to accessing free resources, students learned about ongoing campus and community support services through tabling and outreach activities. The Free Market was part of the broader “Love is SDSU” initiative, a collaborative monthlong programming series developed in partnership with Well-being & Health Promotion, Survivor Advocacy Services, Student Health Services, and the SDSU Research Foundation. Together, these events promoted student wellness, safety, community connection, and equitable access to basic needs resources throughout the month of February.
Basic Needs
$566,000+ provided to students in emergency food, housing, and transportation support.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Briana Gonzalez, M.A. Title: Basic Needs Assistant Coordinator College: Basic Needs Center & Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) Achievement: As a first-generation college student, I encountered the challenge of not knowing how to navigate college, which sparked my interest in helping others. I have been working in higher education since 2019 and hold a master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership. In my time as a Basic Needs Assistant Coordinator, I have supported students by sharing and connecting them to resources. Some of the resources I’ve been able to connect students with include technology, transportation, housing, and food insecurity-related support. I have shared our resources through one-on-one case management and used my skills to help students find stability within their difficult situations. One of my specialties as Basic Needs Assistant Coordinator is coordinating events for our center. Some events I’ve put on include the Free Market, the Housing Resource Fair, the Basic Needs Block Party, Roommate Socials, and a lot more! The events are designed to raise awareness, destigmatize access to Basic Needs Center resources, and help students become familiar with the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) staff. These events highlight how students come to our center, and they have been more open to utilizing the resources. One of my most successful events to date was the Free Market. The Free Market drew in over 350 students. This event was a free clothing pop-up, where we collected donations ranging from clothes to household appliances collected from staff and faculty. These donations made it possible to offer a free market where students could shop and reuse gently used items. The outcome of the event highlights how students became more aware of the center, and it also helped the team build rapport with students. I am excited to continue hosting fun events where students can find community and feel comfortable using resources. It is important to ensure students feel confident sharing what ECRT does and our center’s capabilities. As a center, we have a direct impact on students and help them persevere in times of crisis so that they can continue their education. The work we do is very rewarding when I see a student go from struggling to persevering and graduating!
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Xochitl Catalan Ramirez, MSW, PPSC Title: CalFresh Outreach Graduate Assistant College: Basic Needs Center & Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) Achievement: I am extremely thankful for the Basic Needs Center and the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) because they were a huge part of my academic success. Due to ongoing policy changes, I found myself experiencing financial hardship and needing help covering some necessities, such as housing and food. When I shared my story with a professor, Dr. Ko, and a student support coordinator, Yvonne, they referred me to the ECRT. When I met with Adriana, she helped me feel heard, seen, and understood. Once I got connected with the ECRT, they supported me with emergency funds, food, gas cards, hygiene items, and DACA renewal fees. As a Dreamer and graduate student, there were several challenges that I faced, but I always felt like the ECRT was there to support me. After receiving services from the ECRT, Adriana shared that they were hiring and encouraged me to apply for the CalFresh Outreach Graduate Assistant position. Thankfully, I was offered the position, and I love being part of the team. As a student worker, I have learned so many things that I will carry with me into future professions, especially when it comes to being an advocate for others. Overall, the environment they have built in the center is welcoming, supportive, and helpful. The Basic Needs Center has truly become one of my safe spaces on campus.
“
The Basic Needs Center has truly become one of my safe spaces on campus.
”
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Kripa Mayureshwar, B.A. Title: Programming Student Assistant College: Basic Needs Center & Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) Achievement: I was the founding vice president of SDSU Women in Technology, and in our first year, we had more than 50 dues-paying members, hosted a networking event called WiTConnect with more than 70 attendees and more than 15 companies, coordinated office tours, won best overall at the Innovate4SDSU Hackathon, and received SDSU’s Outstanding RSO Award for our impact. This year ended up being the most impactful part of my time at SDSU because so much of it centered around community. As president of Sirens of State A Cappella, I stepped into leadership during a rebuilding year. The entire previous executive board graduated, and we lost about half the group at the same time, so I became president without ever having served on the board before. Despite that, we had an incredibly successful year. As director of service for SDSU Rotaract, I helped coordinate volunteer opportunities and track member service hours throughout the year. Collectively, our club completed over 670 hours of community service this academic year. One of the projects that meant the most to me was our annual Ensenada school rebuilding and repainting trip alongside local Rotary clubs. I also served as Greenfest chair for the Aztec Student Union Board, where I chaired a committee of student leaders and helped organize sustainability programming throughout the year. Our work culminated in Greenfest Week in March, which featured 10 different events focused on sustainability and student engagement, ending with a headliner concert featuring YG. Outside of student organizations, I continued working at the Basic Needs Center, where I’ve worked since freshman year. I helped organize programs and events that connected students with essential resources. I am extremely grateful for all the amazing experiences that have shaped my time at SDSU, and I will truly miss all the incredible people I got to meet!
Featured Areas
Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn, Courage Through Cancer The newest developments of the fund reflect SDSU’s commitment to responding quickly and compassionately when students are in crisis. By providing immediate emergency support, the initiative helps students maintain their circumstances during profoundly difficult moments, allowing them to continue their education without facing additional financial burdens. The Wallace Shatsky Blackburn Courage Through Cancer Fund has become more than a scholarship—it is a lifeline that demonstrates the university’s commitment to students navigating hardship and loss. Sophomore Jaimie Erle and her mother, Marianella, pictured on campus. During Jaimie’s first year Marianella was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently lost her job, leaving the family to navigate as a single income family.
Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn Courage Through Cancer Fund scholarship recipient Sue Martinez Gallardo, a student cancer survivor, pictured with fund founder Tammy Blackburn.
Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn Courage Through Cancer Fund scholarship recipient Carley Foss photographed during San Diego State University’s class of 2026 commencement ceremony.
Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu