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A follow up (unpublished) survey was conducted in November 2018 and found: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.


FEATURED PROJECTS

 

NEWS & Stories

  • Photo shows a closed door with a sign on it that reads "UAA Seawolf Food Pantry." A small table next to the door has several canned food items and decorations.

    Food insecurity at UAA

     |  Kaitlyn Gaub  |  , ,

    Almost half of UAA students have experienced food insecurity. UAA offers several resources to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the Seawolf Food Pantry, which supplies non-perishable foods, as well as three-day emergency food support.

  • Dr. Corrie Whitmore stands in front of windows on the UAA campus. She is wearing glasses and smiling.

    College of Health faculty leads the way in FASD prevention through nurse education

     |  Alison Miller  |  , , ,

    Dr. Corrie Whitmore, an associate professor in the Division of Population Health Sciences, and her team at UAA’s Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services are celebrating the recent publication of a new article. The paper, which was published in the Dec. 2025 issue of Nursing for Women’s Health, offers a framework and actionable strategies for nurses to improve communication and patient experience in discussions around substance use and contraception.

  • Amana Mbise stands in front of a screen with a slide that reads "Background: Barbershops and Health." He is gesturing and speaking to an audience (not pictured)

    Researchers examine the role Black barbershops play as health care spaces for men

     |  Matt Jardin  |  , , ,

    School of Social Work Assistant Professor Amana Mbise and ISER Research Assistant Professor Nathan West are exploring the relationships that Black barbershops play in men's health. Their community-based research prioritizes the lived experiences of the men they talk to, and is revealing how barbershops function not just as grooming spaces, but as social and cultural hubs.

  • Stacy Brunquist stands in front of a wall of windows in the UAA Spine. She is wearing a pink and white patterned shirt and smiling at the camera.

    COH graduate student commencement speaker Stacy Brunquist: Special delivery

     |  Matt Jardin  |  , ,

    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.

  • ACFTA team members Joanne Wiita, Angelia Trujillo, and Kathi Trawver stand in front of a mosaic, smiling.

    Alaska legislature staff visit ACFTA awareness event

     |  Alison Miller  |  ,

    On Nov. 13, the College of Health hosted a legislative event highlighting the Alaska Comprehensive Forensic Training Academy (ACFTA) in the Health Sciences Building. Co-led by Nursing Professor Angelia Trujillo, D.N.P., and Social Work Professor Kathi Trawver, Ph.D., the event brought together health care professionals, community partners, and legislators to learn more about ACFTA’s mission.

 


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Upcoming Events

 

Contact Us:
Travis Hedwig
Phone: 907-229-2784
Email:  thhedwig@alaska.edu

 

Location:

Professional Studies Building (PSB) 205
2533 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508

 

Mailing Address:
Hunger and Homelessness Support Network
3211 Providence Drive, PSB 205
Anchorage, AK 99508

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