About the Program
The Basic Needs Program supports currently enrolled UNLV students with access to daily necessity items such as nonperishable food, hygiene items, school supplies, cleaning supplies/linens, and clothing all at no cost. Students can access items once a week. Most items are limited to one to two per student each week.
How to Access Basic Needs Support
UNLV students can access items from our office once a week.
Office Information
- Office Location: UNLV Student Union, Room 309
- Email: basicneeds@unlv.edu
- Phone: 702-895-4534
Spring 2026 Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Friday - Saturday: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Spring Hours will end on Friday, May 15th. Summer hours will begin on Monday, May 18th.
Summer 2026 Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
*Hours are subject to change. Please check our website for updates on hours and office closures.
Summer 2026 Office Closures:
- Monday, May 25th - Memorial Day Recess
- Friday, June 19th - Juneteenth Recess
- Saturday, July 4th - Fourth of July 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.