Mutual Aid Center

The establishment of a Mutual Aid Center at Seattle University's College of Arts and Sciences, located within the Casey Building, will provide essential resources to Arts and Sciences students who may be facing food insecurity and clothing challenges. By offering food, clothing, and other household and hygiene items in a confidential, shame-free environment, we aim to support students’ overall well-being and academic success by reducing barriers to access these essential resources.  
  
The Mutual Aid Center is just one resource that connects to the larger ecosystem of University resources, such as the Office for Wellness and Health Promotion's Food Pantry and their other wellness-centered initiatives. This network ensures that students are receiving the support they need as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences, supplementing your ability to access resources at Academic Affairs and Student and Campus Life. We are confident that with student feedback, ongoing engagement, and strategic partnerships this initiative can significantly improve the quality of life for students in the college.

The Mutual Aid Center is located in Casey 130, a centralized location where Academic Advisors can direct students with access needs to this office. The Assistant Dean and Student Assistant for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice will also able to support. The center is open to all students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences who are facing financial hardship, with a focus on those with food insecurity or clothing needs.

Food Pantry: The center will offer a rotating selection of non-perishable items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and granola bars, as well as perishable items when available (e.g., fruits and vegetables).  

Clothing Closet: Gently used clothing will be available for students to access, including casual clothing for daily wear as well as professional clothing, graduation robes and other items provided by alumni donations.  

Alumni Contributions: By reaching out to Seattle University alumni, we will collect graduation robes, branded merch, and other items that alumni no longer need. These items will be available for current students, reducing waste while helping students access resources that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Confidentiality and Accessibility: All resources will be made available in a way that preserves student dignity and ensures access without fear of judgment. The center will have a no-questions-asked policy, and students will be encouraged to take what they need.  

If you are an alumni, active community member, or potential donor who is looking for a way to share your resources and support current Redhawks, there are many ways for you to support our Mutual Aid Center:  
  
You can donate non-perishable food items, household goods, and gently used clothing (especially professional clothing which can get expensive). 

You can make a financial contribution:

• Visit Seattle University Giving
• Select "I want to support 'College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Fund'" 
• In the comments, write "Mutual Aid Center" 

You can collaborate with us to start a food drive through your business, organization, or workplace, and you can continually share this information with your networks to help us gather donations.  
  
For information about where to donate food and clothing items, please contact touchd@seattleu.edu and se-mmaaytah@seattleu.edu.