Resources
UNM Syllabus Statement
Recent research shows that many students at UNM do not always have adequate access to food and housing. These hardships can create barriers to academic success and physical and mental wellbeing. There are resources available on campus that can help, including the UNM Lobo Food Pantry, assistance with applying for food stamp (SNAP) benefits through the Women’s Resource Center, assistance with FAFSA financial aid forms through American Indian Student Services, and short-term emergency loans through the Dean of Students. Note: The WRC and AISS will help all students. These resources tend to be underutilized so do not hesitate to take advantage of them. Think of them as tools in your toolkit for success! If lack of resources prevents you from accessing the required texts or otherwise completing your work in this class, please see me and I will work to find ways to support you.
Resources at UNM
- The LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center maintains a list of resources on campus and in the community, such as resources for counseling, domestic violence, legal aid, substance use, veterans, and more.
- The pantry is free to all currently enrolled students with a valid UNM ID and is located in SUB 1093. See website for current hours.
Food Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- SNAP, a program run by the NM Human Services Department, provides financial assistance for qualifying residents of New Mexico to purchase food at participating grocery stores.
- The Roadrunner Food Bank has trained staff who can help you apply to SNAP. Fill out the form on their “Apply for SNAP” page and the Food Bank staff will be in touch to assist you.
- At UNM, you can make an appointment with staff at the Women’s Resource Center who are trained to help you complete your SNAP application.
- The Roadrunner Food Bank is New Mexico’s largest food bank. They also have a “Food Finder"on their website that provides a list of nearby food assistance locations based on zip code.
- Apply on the HelpNM site for direct food assistance. HelpNM provides over one ton of food weekly to eligible individuals and can help connect people to other resources in the community.
Database of Emergency Food Resources in Albuquerque
- This site is a continuously updated database of emergency food programs based on the entered zip code.
Housing
- UNM LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center
- UNM maintains a list of housing resources in Albuquerque as well as shelters.
Wifi
Affordable Connectivity Program
- Federal program that helps provide discounted wifi for low-income households, households on tribal land, and households on SNAP, Medicaid, etc.
- Can also provide one-time discounts on purchasing a tablet or computer
- Federal program that can help lower the cost of phone and internet service
- Monthly discount up to $9.25, or if applicant is living on Tribal lands (the monthly discount is up to $34.25)
- National nonprofit that connects people to resources in their community that provide affordable internet, computers, and digital trainings
- Xfinity has exclusive pricing for students as well as the Xfinity on Campus program= for dorms
For more wifi resources, see this article published in April 2023. Many companies have student plans, contact your internet provider about options.
Healthcare
Medication Discounts: Roadrunner Food Bank
- Roadrunner Food Bank has a partnership with BuzzRx to help provide people with discounted prescription medications. The food bank website says that the “FREE prescription drug discount program is available to anyone of any income or residency status, regardless of existing prescription drug coverage.”
- The discount card can be found here, or you can pick one up in person at Roadrunner Food Bank.
Free or Income-based Healthcare Clinics
- There are a few healthcare clinics in or around Albuquerque that provide free, low cost, or income-based healthcare. A list of these can be found on the “Benefits Explorer” site, or on the “Free Clinic Directory”.
Childcare
New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department: Child Care Assistance
- According to their site, the “Child Care Assistance Program subsidizes the cost of child care for families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level that are working, in school, or searching for employment.” Apply for assistance by calling or visiting one of the Child Care Services Bureau field offices.
- Read this article published on May 9 for more information about the program.
