Niner Nation continues to answer the call to help current students

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption in all of our lives. But, for some 49er students, the pandemic threatens to disrupt their dreams and the brighter future that a UNC Charlotte degree promises.

The Student Emergency Fund, created to help current students by providing financial support for unexpected, unforeseen and unavoidable emergency expenses, including pandemics, has provided much needed relief for many students. While the fund does not cover tuition and fees on a student’s University account, it can help with expenses related to housing, transportation, food, medical needs and gaining access to necessary resources needed for remote learning. The funds received do not need to be repaid.

“As a 49er alumnus, I’ve always known the spirit of Niner Nation to be strong and unyielding, especially during times of crisis,” said Jeremy McIver ‘18. “I hope my donation will make a difference for someone who needs it. We’ll get through this together, because we’re Niner strong.”

The response to the Student Emergency Fund from Niner Nation has been remarkable, enabling UNC Charlotte to award more than $333,900 to 897 students over the last five weeks. However, there are still hundreds of students on the waitlist for funding and that number grows every day.

Thanks to the generosity of two UNC Charlotte alumni, the Demond and Kia Martin Foundation matched dollar-for-dollar the first $100,000 in gifts made to the Student Emergency Fund. Demond ’97 and Kia ’98 are longtime supporters of UNC Charlotte.

The Jamil Niner Student Pantry, a resource for UNC Charlotte students struggling with food insecurities, is staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The on-campus pantry is utilizing a web order form to maximize social distancing, and the staff is bagging the groceries and handing them to students so they don’t have to shop in the pantry. More than $35,000 has been raised for the pantry, which has seen an increase in visitors since the pandemic started.

“Years ago people leaned in and helped me,” said Dean of the College of Health and Human Services Catrine Tudor-Locke. “Here is my chance to pay their generosity back by supporting a new generation.”

The Student Emergency Fund and Jamil Niner Student Pantry continue to accept donations. To contribute, visit relief.charlotte.edu.