Student Basic Needs Fund provides vital safety net for UH Hilo students

The typical stress of a college semester paled in comparison to the sudden and frightening circumstances Nina Kapuni faced when she had to quickly leave her Volcano home with her young son to ensure their safety.

“It was a really difficult and overwhelming experience,” recalled Kapuni, a single mother currently pursuing her master’s in counseling psychology at UH Hilo. “I realized we needed to leave right away to be safe.”

The challenge was that Kapuni did not have the financial resources to secure a new place, putting her at risk of losing stable housing. At the encouragement of a faculty member, she reached out to UH Hilo’s CARE Team, which provides Student Support Services, including access to emergency funding.

“I had no savings, and there weren’t many options that late in the semester,” Kapuni shared. “I applied for support and spoke with Sherri Akau about my situation.”

Within days, Kapuni learned her request had been approved.

“Sherri started by taking the time to talk with me,” Kapuni said. “She really heard me and saw me when I couldn’t see myself. She went above and beyond being an advocate for me.”

A Lifeline When It Matters Most

Akau and Kaleb Matthews, Interim Coordinator for Student Care and Basic Needs, are central to advancing student support services at UH Hilo. Through their work, they see firsthand how access to resources – such as Hale Lako and emergency financial assistance – can make a meaningful difference in a student’s ability to persist and succeed.

“Many students carry a deep sense of hesitation or discomfort when it comes to seeking support for basic needs,” said Akau, UH Hilo’s Acting Senior Director of Student Care and Conduct. “Some feel as though they are falling short. An important part of our role is to help shift that perspective and remind students that reaching out for support is not a weakness, it is a courageous and necessary step toward continuing their education and overall well-being.”

A Staggering Increase in Need

The demand for these essential interventions has skyrocketed. According to Matthews, the number of students utilizing the basic needs pantry jumped from 2,000 users in 2024 to 3,500 last year, with a staggering 5,000 users projected by the end of this year.

Faculty and staff across Academic and Student Affairs recognized a growing need to expand student access to non-perishable food and snacks in the spaces they frequent most. These efforts complement Hale Lako, the campus’s primary food pantry, and reflect a shared commitment to meeting students where they are.

Akau and Matthews identified an opportunity to partner with colleagues across campus, helping to advance a more coordinated and responsive approach to addressing student food insecurity. Through this collaboration, they have helped strengthen and sustain a network of strategically placed “food hubs” in high-traffic student areas.

“Students may feel hesitant about seeking support or visiting Hale Lako,” said Matthews.  “Creating this food pantry network helps reduce that barrier by making food readily available in the spaces where students already gather, ensuring they have consistent access to something to eat throughout the day.”

Whether it is assisting with urgent financial needs, helping students provide food for themselves and their families, covering emergency car repairs so they can commute, or restoring essential utilities after a shut-off, this support addresses the very real challenges of financial, food, and housing insecurity that many students quietly navigate. For students like Kapuni, these timely interventions can mean the difference between continuing their education and facing an unexpected disruption to their academic journey.

Be the Safety Net Our Students Need

A transformative education is only possible when a student’s basic needs are met. Your gift to the UH Hilo Student Basic Needs Fund helps ensure that unforeseen circumstances – like those experienced by Kapuni – do not disrupt a student’s ability to persist and succeed. Your support provides timely, compassionate assistance that keeps students housed, nourished and focused on their education. Join us in strengthening our campus community by investing in the stability and success of our students.