Funds go toward emergency assistance for Harvey relief
More than $100,000 is available for students to get assistance with Harvey relief through the Hurricane Harvey Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
Through the estate of Olga Doan, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation recently made a large donation to the student fund.
“Students can use them to pay for temporary housing, medication, replacement of personal belongings or books and other academic expenses,” said Mary McQueen, Del Mar College’s executive director of development.
Originally, the funds would serve as a loan, but after careful consideration it was changed to be a grant.
“This is a hard time for everyone so we don’t want to add any more stress to anyone as they rebuild,” said Karen Selim, president and CEO of the Coastal Bend Community Foundation. ”We want to help students stay in school and not have to worry about having to repay the money back.”
Ac cording to Karen Silva, development officer with the Del Mar College Foundation, the donation will allow the foundation to help more students and increase the awards that the foundation planned to give out. The more people who can donate, the more the foundation can help.
“Our mission is to keep students in school,” Silva, said.
A separate fund has been created for faculty and staff; however, they are not eligible for the $100,000 because the donation was made for students. Anyone at Del Mar college can apply for these funds. The application is at www.delmar.edu/foundation/ and must be delivered to foundation office, at the Center for Economic Development, with proof of enrollment and supporting documentation.
According to Silva, applicants may be required to meet with a staff member to discuss their application.
“Unlike emergency loans, the Emergency Assistance Fund does not have to be repaid,” Silva said.
To contribute to the Hurricane Harvey Emergency Assistance fund, go to delmar.edu/foundation then click on the “Giving” link to donate. Students, faculty and staff can apply for these funds year-round.
“We will continue to help students and faculty until the need will stop,” Silva said.
Twitter: @BrittClaramunt
