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A follow up (unpublished) survey was conducted in November 2018 and found: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.
A College of Health alumna and current employee of the Alaska Justice Information Center, Rus’sel Sampson has had a rich educational and professional journey. Her story exemplifies how a sense of curiosity in higher education can open unexpected doors that lead to meaningful careers.
UAA Justice Center Professor, Sharon Chamard provides expertise on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), emphasizing the importance of design elements like natural surveillance, access control, and maintenance in creating safer communities.
UAA’s Alaska Justice Information Center researcher, Rus’sel Sampson is quoted in an Alaska Beacon article about merit-based Alaska Performance Scholarships.
The Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) released a new report about the health of women who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Physical violence is a part of IPV, but it also includes things like controlling behaviors, threats of harm, and inflicting harm against people and things an intimate partner cares about. Dr. Ingrid Johnson with AVS told the Alaska Beacon these sorts of behaviors can have a lasting impact.