Basic Needs and Housing Insecurity
At Saint Xavier University, our Catholic identity and Mercy heritage inspire us to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good. Grounded closely in our core value of hospitality, we are dedicated to welcoming all students with graciousness and attentive care.
We believe that personal well-being is vital to your academic success. If you are experiencing difficulties with stable housing, food access, or other critical daily necessities, please know that you are a vital part of our community and support is available.
SXU offers many resources to support you! Students are always welcome to visit the Office of the Dean of Students -- a central hub for student support, advocating for student needs, resolving crises, and ensuring a safe, inclusive campus environment that promotes both personal growth and academic success. Programs are designed and offered with special emphasis on student learning, growth, development, and support -- all framed with the University core values of respect and integrity.
The SXU Care Team is a network of staff and faculty who provide specialized outreach and support to students in need. The Care Team is coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students staff through a case-management approach. Students can benefit from a wide variety of expertise and support, guided by the University's core values of compassion and hospitality.
For students who experience resource insecurity (such as for housing, food, or transportation), there are ways we can help. The following is an evolving list of University- and community-based resources that might be of interest to you.
University Resources
This list is evolving as we continually discover more pathways of support for our students. Check back frequently for updates.
- Champ's Kitchen: Our on-campus food pantry, located in the Mercy Ministry Center, provides free food and essential grocery items to any SXU student facing food insecurity. No questions asked.
- Health Center: Provides clinical healthcare services on campus to keep you physically well.
- Counseling Center: Provides free, confidential mental health services -- including individual counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness workshops -- to help students navigate personal challenges and succeed academically.
- Campus Ministry: Nurtures the spiritual growth and wellness of the University community by offering inclusive liturgical experiences, pastoral care, interfaith programming, and retreat and service opportunities, grounded in the University's Catholic identity and Mercy heritage.
- SXU Mission Fund: If you are facing unexpected financial hardships that threaten your ability to stay enrolled, you can apply for emergency assistance through this fund.
- Office of Financial Aid: Reach out to review emergency grant availability or request an evaluation of your financial aid package.
- Office of Student Accounts: Manages student billing, processes payments, coordinates payment plans, and administers refunds to help students navigate the financial responsibilities of their education.
- University Housing: Contact University Housing to discuss your current living environment and seek institutional options. Students who are in need of interim housing or struggling with homelessness or housing insecurity (during academic year or academic breaks) should reach out to our HOUSE Liaison.
- Your Advocate on Campus: SXU HOUSE Liaison. Under the Illinois Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act (HEHOA), Saint Xavier University provides a designated Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students' Excellence (HOUSE) Liaison. The HOUSE Liaison acts as an advocate and intermediary to assist students who are experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or who are currently or formerly youth in foster care. The Liaison works directly with students to find solutions and streamline institutional processes. They can help you with:
- Financial Aid Coordination: Navigating emergency aid options or adjusting status under the federal Higher Education Act.
- Housing Continuity: Developing stable plans for on-campus housing or suitable off-campus alternatives during academic breaks.
- Campus Intermediary Services: Bridging connections between you, campus housing, and student support networks.
- Community Connections: Linking you directly to regional continuum of care programs and state resources.
Student Relations Specialist
Warde Academic Center/Office of Student Life (L-103)
ofloresFREESXU
773-298-3123
Community and Local-Area Resources
This list is evolving as we continually discover more pathways of support for our students. Check back frequently for updates.
- City of Chicago - DFSS Community Service Centers: Visit the South Chicago center for local in-person benefits, emergency clothing, and extreme weather warming or cooling.
- Crisis Center for South Suburbia: Domestic abuse treatment center. Provides safe 24/7 emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and counseling for anyone fleeing domestic violence.
- If you are a current SXU student and facing an urgent basic-needs crisis, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students via email or call 773-298-3123. All inquiries are handled with the utmost discretion and privacy.
- Have a community resource that should be featured on this page? Please email deanofstudentsFREESXU and we thank you for helping to expand this network of hospitality for all students!