About the Program
The Basic Needs Program supports currently enrolled UNLV students by providing comprehensive resources to address essential needs at no cost.
Daily Necessity Item Distribution
Students can access daily necessity items such as hygiene items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, clothing, linens, and nonperishable food by visiting one of our office locations during walk-in hours. Visits to access items are limited to once per week.
One-on-One Resource Consultations
Our program staff meet individually with students to discuss available campus and community resources, including housing assistance, emergency funding, and other services that can help students succeed academically and personally.
Benefits Application Support
A representative from the Division of Social Services is available on campus to provide consultation services. This includes assistance with SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid applications, as well as eligibility guidance and answers to questions about government benefits programs.
How to Access Basic Needs Support
UNLV students experiencing basic needs insecurity can access daily necessity items from our offices during walk-in hours.
Office Information
- Office Locations: UNLV Student Union, Room 309 and Student Services Complex, Room 301
- Email: basicneeds@unlv.edu
- Phone: 702-895-4534
Fall 2026 Hours
UNLV Student Union 309 Location
- Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
UNLV Student Services Complex A (SSC-A) 301 Location
- Monday - Thursday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Office Closures
- August 15th - August 23rd - Closed for Fall Staff Training & Prep
- September 7th - Labor Day Recess
- October 30th - Nevada Day Recess
- November 11th - Veteran's Day Recess
- November 26th - November 27th - Thanksgiving Day Recess
Additional Support
If you are in need of assistance with other basic needs and services on campus, please refer to the UNLV Students website.
Donate
We accept donations year-round. Donations support enrolled UNLV students experiencing basic needs insecurity. We ask that donations are new/unused and in good condition.
Acceptable Items
- Nonperishable food items
- Hygiene items
- Cleaning supplies
- School supplies
- Clothing and linens
Donation Schedule
- Monday - Friday
- 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- UNLV Student Union, Room 309
Our Story
The UNLV Basic Needs Program began in 2019 as a small pop-up closet, initially serving approximately 125 students through semesterly “Take What You Need” pop-up events. With the support of a Department of Education grant in 2023, the program significantly expanded its reach, launching the "Take What You Need" distribution events on a monthly basis that averaged 350 student participants per event. Committed to reducing the stigma around seeking help, the program emphasized creating a welcoming environment and offered weekly office hours where students could access essential supplies. These included nonperishable food items, full-size hygiene products, cleaning supplies, school supplies, clothing, and select childcare items.
As of summer 2025, the program transitioned from monthly events to offering in-office support six days a week (Monday through Saturday) to provide consistent, year-round access to enrolled students. In addition to daily necessities, students can apply for our Cap & Gown Lending Program, which supports undergraduate students facing financial hardships with accessing a regalia package (cap, gown, and tassel) to use for commencement.