The Hunger and Homelessness Support Network (HHSN)
Hunger & Homelessness Support Network
The Hunger and Homelessness Support Network (HHSN) is an interdisciplinary, cross-campus
initiative based in the College of Health that works to develop sustainable solutions
for UAA students facing food and housing insecurity. Our research team conducted multiple
campus-wide surveys to identify economic barriers that impact students' well-being and education.
Results of our initial (published) survey found:
8.3% of UAA students have experienced homelessness at some point while being a student.
44% of UAA students experienced food insecurity during the school year.
30% of UAA students experience housing insecurity and couldn’t afford to stay in their
current place of residence, even if they wanted to.
A follow up (unpublished) survey was conducted in November 2018 and found:
10.4% of UAA students have experienced homelessness
37% of UAA students don’t know if they can pay rent next month
Financial insecurity negatively impacts education and delays program completion for
46% UAA students
UAA employees, students and community programs provide services to help students get
what they need so they can focus on their education.
As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the UAA School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the fall Class of 2025 Stacy Brunquist weaves education into everything she does — training new caregivers, guiding parents learning to care for their newborns, and sharing knowledge with professionals from Utqiaġvik to Sitka.
Ambra McMillian is an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene in the School of Therapeutic Sciences, where she combines her passion for the field with the fulfillment of guiding students as they learn and grow.
Dacia Davis, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work and a graduate of UAA's MSW program, finds inspiration in teaching and community.
On September 27, the women’s volleyball team invited faculty to join them on the court for Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night. Among the honorees were four standout educators from the College of Health, each nominated by students.
Sara Hannon serves as the director of the Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center. Recently, she was selected to participate in the 2026 Advancing Simulation Careers and Empowering Next-Generation Development (ASCEND) cohort.
