This past year has been transformational for the Basic Needs Center. We launched the Basic Needs Peer Advocate Program, employing four students who have experienced basic needs challenges and now support their peers with empathy and leadership. We also welcomed our frst assistant director and a housing stability coordinator. With $2.56 million from the CSU, we’ve begun implementing a Rapid Rehousing and Housing Security Program that will grow over the next four years.
What inspires us most is the resilience of our students, many of whom turn their lived experiences into advocacy and impact. We’re excited to expand peer-led programs, deepen housing support, and engage students in research on equity and access.
Philanthropy makes this progress possible. Your generosity allows us to empower students, build systems of care, and ensure that basic needs are never a barrier to success. We are truly grateful.
Evie Baez, MSW Director of the Basic Needs Center and Economic Crisis Response Team Division of Student Afairs and Campus Diversity
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward
Aztec Parent Fund
Thanks to generous supporters of the Aztec Parent Fund, the Basic Needs Center successfully launched the inaugural Basic Needs Peer Advocate Program—a vital initiative aimed at empowering students and expanding access to essential campus resources. Through this pilot, the Center hired four student advocates whose personal experiences with basic needs challenges helped them support peers and reduce stigma around seeking help.
The Peer Advocates played an instrumental role in increasing awareness and engagement with the Center’s services. Through outreach activities such as tabling, presentations, and participation in campus events, they amplifed the visibility of basic needs resources and fostered a culture of care and connection across the SDSU community.
This impactful program—and the students it uplifted—would not have been possible without the meaningful contributions of Aztec Parent Fund donors. We are deeply grateful for this partnership in advancing student well-being and success.
Economic Crisis Response Team
After the devastating LA County wildfres, a single donor gave $100,000 to SDSU’s Economic Crisis Response Team, providing crucial relief to students afected by the disaster. This generous gift ofered more than fnancial aid—it brought stability, dignity, and hope during a time of profound uncertainty.
Thanks to this extraordinary support, students were able to continue their education despite immense personal loss. The impact was immediate and deeply personal. For some, it meant staying enrolled; for others, it eased emotional and fnancial burdens. The gift helped students rebuild what was lost—both materially and emotionally. Beyond the tangible support, students expressed heartfelt gratitude for the compassion shown to them.
This gift was more than assistance—it was a powerful message: they are not alone, their futures matter, and a caring community stands behind them. We are deeply grateful for this transformative act of philanthropy and its lasting impact on our SDSU family.
Matthew & Michelle Marsh Endowment
This generous endowment will ensure that the Basic Needs Center continues to fulfll its mission of addressing the essential needs of SDSU students. It will help us continue meeting the emergency needs of our students, including grocery assistance, transportation support, and most critically, their housing needs.
Housing remains a growing challenge for many SDSU students due to high costs and limited availability. This fund will provide students with access to vital support that helps keep them stably housed,
nourished, and able to attend classes, while also strengthening the Basic Needs Center’s shift toward prevention through low-barrier resources, education, and early intervention.
Basic Needs Peer Advocate assisting with a cooking demonstration in the Basic Needs Center.
Thriving in the Aztec Experience
Khadija
Sheik, Class of 2025
Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Education
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
I recently graduated from SDSU with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on biology and child development. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of ECRT.
When I was struggling with housing insecurity, food access, and fnancial stress, ECRT stepped in and helped me fnd a safe and stable place to live, budget efectively, and meet my basic needs with support. The staf made me feel seen, heard, and cared for during one of the hardest times in my college journey.
Thanks to ECRT’s guidance, I’ve gained the tools to become fnancially independent and focus on my education. I’m forever grateful for their compassion and commitment, as it truly changed my life.
“Thanks to ECRT’s guidance, I’ve gained the tools to become fnancially independent and focus on my education. I’m forever grateful for their compassion and commitment, as it truly changed my life.
Jorden Garcia, Class of 2027
Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Engineering
Major: Electrical Engineering
I’m a transfer student from the Bay Area, and when I arrived at SDSU, I faced overwhelming challenges. Shortly after transferring, my mom underwent brain surgery, and I lost both my uncle and a close friend in separate incidents. My parents couldn’t support me fnancially due to hospital bills, and I didn’t know anyone in San Diego—I truly was alone.
I moved here with a job, some savings, and an afordable apartment. But once classes began, I realized I couldn’t manage working 40 hours a week while keeping up with school, so I had to quit to focus on academics. Despite searching, I couldn’t fnd part-time work. That forced me to rely heavily on my savings—until I had nothing left. I turned to credit cards to survive, maxing out four and accumulating $13,000 in debt.
When my lease ended, I began living out of my car and using the school gym to shower. I considered dropping out. As a last resort, I reached out to Financial Aid and was referred to ECRT; that was the turning point. Evie worked with me on a plan: gas and grocery cards, temporary housing, rapid rehousing, and on-campus housing. They helped me enroll in CalFresh and Medi-Cal and even ofered me a job.
ECRT saved me from giving up.
“
The ECRT gave me the support I needed to continue my education. ”
Alexis Covey, Class of 2027
Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Education
Major: Liberal Studies
I am a student and student assistant here at San Diego State University, and I can confdently share that the Basic Needs Center and Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) has changed my life forever.
Before I found out about ECRT, my frst year was very rough. It was during the height of the pandemic, so all schooling was online. I had to stay home all the time, which took a huge toll on my health, as I was in an abusive, unsafe environment. I had no one to help me navigate higher education, so I didn’t know there were campus resources available. I ended up failing most of my classes due to my environment, disability, and confusion about higher education. I began to give up on my dreams.
A year later, my situation had worsened. I reached out to a youth program, and they set up an appointment with an advisor. I shared my story and was referred to ECRT. They provided me with support and safety—shelter, housing, referrals to Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS), Student Disability Services (SDS), check-ins, and of-campus assistance. I received emergency funds, food and gas cards, and was able to get EBT.
Now, I have safe housing, good grades, a stable job, and improved health. ECRT helped make my dream of higher education come true and gave me back my dignity. I am beyond grateful.
“
ECRT
helped make my dream of higher education come true and gave me back my dignity. I am beyond grateful.
Emergency Financial Assistance provided: $154,301 for housing and $77,087 for basic needs
Basic Needs Kits: $88,492
Basic Needs Snacks: $8,827 in no-barrier food support
Basic Needs Center Check-Ins: 7,398
Check-Ins for Basic Needs Kits: 2,792
Recent Highlights
This past year, the Basic Needs Center partnered with the School of Public Afairs on a capstone project, which found that students most often credited the Center with meeting their food, housing, and transportation needs. Eighty percent agreed the Center had a positive impact on their experience, a sentiment echoed in student interviews and quotes.
“Just talking to someone made a diference. It helped me feel less overwhelmed.”
“I thought about dropping out. The resources kept me going when I felt overwhelmed.” At the start of Spring 2025, devastating fres ripped through Los Angeles County. The ECRT and Basic Needs Center, with partners across campus, mobilized to support students.
Using fre maps to locate impacted students, the ECRT conducted individual outreach to the students. The team met with students and families afected by heartbreaking losses, all while preparing to start a new semester at SDSU.
The ECRT was able to leverage its close partnership with the Financial Aid Ofce to create processes for the families to access additional fnancial aid resources and connect students with emergency resources, including helping pay rent, purchase food, address transportation issues, and connect them to the technology they needed to start their semester.
Thanks to a transformational donation from a concerned donor, the ECRT was able to expand its assistance and reach. Donor support helped students pay down tuition balances and helped students travel back and forth to be with their families.
Through a partnership with the Ofce of Housing Administration, the ECRT was able to refer students to on-campus housing options for future semesters to help reduce the stress and impact of the fres. Students shared that knowing they would be able to live on campus helped reduce their worries and increase their feelings of support and safety.
Artis Jemison, M.S.W.
Title: Housing Stability Coordinator College: Basic Needs Center & Economic Crisis Response Team
Achievement: I’m originally from Oceanside, California, and currently live in San Diego. I served in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years and have since worked in the nonproft sector. I earned my bachelor’s in sociology from CSU San Marcos in 2018 and my master’s in social work from Walden University in Spring 2025.
My late mother inspires me to do the work I do. She helped everyone around her, even when we didn’t have much. Whenever my friends needed lunch, she packed them one. Years later, they told me how much those lunches meant. She inspires me to do whatever I can for my community, no matter how big or small.
Since joining the Basic Needs team in March, a moment that stood out was the warm welcome I received. They embraced me and made the transition into a new role and team seamless. That same warmth defnes how we serve our students—with empathy and teamwork to help them fnd stability in hard times.
Over time, my perspective on this work has evolved. I came from Veterans Village of San Diego, where housing work was challenging due to the city’s reliance on the Housing First model. It’s essential to address the mental health of veterans and students alongside their housing needs. While we prioritize housing, mental health services are often inconsistent. With San Diego’s high cost of living and slow development of afordable housing, students face enormous barriers. How can they pay tuition and survive? This crisis feels like running up a muddy hill. Students and residents are working multiple jobs just to aford rent. We must raise awareness so real change can happen, which is why I’m committed to staying in this feld.
Faculty Achievements
Andrea Ross, M.S.W., M.P.H.
Title: Basic Needs Lead Coordinator College: Basic Needs Center & Economic Crisis Response Team
Achievement: I found an incredible opportunity through the Basic Needs Center after graduating from SDSU with my master’s in social work and master’s in public health.
I had been working as a student assistant, and the timing aligned perfectly for me to apply for a full-time lead position. I now have the privilege of continuing in work that inspires me daily—especially through the dedication of my coworkers and the resilience of the students we support.
The most rewarding part of my role is connecting with students on a personal level. When a student opens up about a difcult situation or fnds comfort in a shared experience, it reminds me how meaningful and necessary our work is. These moments fll my heart and reafrm the impact of compassionate support.
I’ve noticed a signifcant shift on campus—students are becoming more familiar with and trusting of our center. What once may have felt shameful or stigmatized—seeking support for basic needs—is now embraced with strength and solidarity. It’s powerful to see students walk in together, support one another, and normalize using resources designed to help them succeed. No one should feel guilt or embarrassment about accessing assistance.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to begin working full-time in the fall. The energy of new student workers and volunteers in our ofce is contagious and motivates me every day.
The impact of philanthropy on our work cannot be overstated. Each student we support benefts deeply from the resources made possible by donor generosity—whether it’s the student who moved across the globe, the one facing medical debt, parenting students, or those supporting their families. This is what makes our work so meaningful: helping those who truly need it.
Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn, Courage Through Cancer
The past academic year was pivotal for San Diego State University's Basic Needs Center and Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT).
The university signifcantly expanded support for student well-being, launching innovative programs, strengthening partnerships, and broadening critical services to ensure all students have access to food, housing, and fnancial stability. This growth refects SDSU's commitment to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
The Basic Needs Center and ECRT's vital partnership with the Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn, Courage Through Cancer Fund provides crucial support to students in crisis due to a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. This collaboration ofers tailored assistance, such as in the case of a student facing a parent's debilitating diagnosis and academic jeopardy due to medical expenses. The ECRT quickly provided emergency housing aid and leveraged the fund to ensure the student's continued enrollment, exemplifying the immense impact of our student support initiatives.
A powerful student testimonial underscores the critical role of comprehensive support: “Receiving support while navigating cancer treatment helped me stay focused on graduating. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”
This partnership illustrates the profound impact of compassion, enabling students afected by cancer to pursue their degrees with dignity and hope. We are immensely proud of this year's achievements and remain dedicated to eliminating basic needs insecurity as a barrier to education. With ongoing support, we will continue to foster an SDSU where every student possesses the stability to thrive.
Scholarship Recipients: Ryan Fimbres and Carley Foss
