Take What You Need: Addressing Basic Need Insecurities at an HSI & AANAPISI

ABSTRACT The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), named as one of the most diverse institutions in the country, holds a dual designation as a Hispanic‐Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander‐Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Located at the heart of a city that experienced the harsh economic impact due to COVID‐19, UNLV has been keenly aware of its students experiencing basic needs insecurity. This article outlines the development of the Take What You Need and the Basic Needs Program, innovative programming that seeks to address basic needs insecurity. Additionally, we highlight the impact of institutional and community collaborations and recommendations for institutions seeking to establish similar programs.