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Gator Resource Center
University of Houston-Downtown
One Main, N210
Houston, TX 77002

(713)-226-5245
GRC@uhd.edu

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Financial Assistance

The Gator Resource Center department offers a variety of financial assistance programs to undergraduate and graduate students, the financial literacy to aid students in making wise financial decisions, and connections to on-campus student financial aid services.

Text Book funds and Utility Assistance programs are available; however, Utility assistance is referred to agencies outside of the University of Houston-Downtown.

Funds are limited in many programs and may not be readily available at the time of your request.
woman holding 20 dollar bills

Financial Literacy Resources

MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching the basics about financial education. Whether you are buying a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your education, these resources will help you maximize your financial decisions. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies and bureaus designed to help you make smart financial choices.

360 Financial Literacy is a free program of the nation’s certified public accountants to help Americans understand their personal finances through every stage of life. The website contains articles addressing such topics as "Freshman Finance 101: Money Management Skills for College Students" and "College students and credit cards: What you don't know can hurt you."

Memorial Assistance Ministries

Financial Education & Coaching:
  • Financial Education Classes (online)
  • Financial coaching

The Women’s Resource: YourLife Finance Classes

Our six-class series lays the groundwork for building a strong financial future. Each topic provides new knowledge and strategies so you can see and believe your financial goals are possible. Classes are taught by trained volunteers at local nonprofits, libraries, businesses, government agencies, and now online, in more than 35 ZIP codes across the Houston area.

Our teachings are based on a curriculum designed by our staff in conjunction with a nationally recognized expert in the field. It is action-oriented and promotes our clients to make real and lasting change in their lives from day one.

United Way of Greater Houston: Financial Coaching

Through financial education and coaching, budgeting, credit/debt counseling, homeownership counseling, and financial products and technology, United Way THRIVE families get the help they need to build savings for emergencies and future goals.

Easter Seals of Greater Houston: Houston Financial Education and Coaching in partnership with Chase Bank)

Easter Seals Greater Houston’s Housing and Financial Coaching Programs assist low-income individuals and families, veterans and adults with disabilities and families of children with disabilities reach their dreams of owning their first homes through financial coaching, financial education, homebuyers education and down payment assistance.

Contact us at FinancialCoach@eastersealshouston.org to learn more and set up an appointment. The BridgingApps Lab, ToyTech lending library, and Financial Coaches are available during Tuesday Family Nights from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm.

UHD Financial Coaching and Economic Stability Lab

The mission of the financial coaching and economic stability lab is to improve the financial health of all Houstonians through training, coaching, research and collaboration.

United Way of Greater Houston

These important resources help families not only gain financial stability but also build stronger, more sustainable futures for themselves and their children.

Gator Access Programs (GAP) Fund

The Gator Access Programs Fund (GAP Fund), formerly known as the Gator Emergency Fund (GEF), provides emergency aid to currently enrolled UHD students facing unexpected financial hardships that may impact their ability to remain enrolled and succeed academically.

Emergency aid grants were established through the generosity of UHD alumni, community partners, foundations, and grant-funded initiatives. The GAP Fund is part of the Gator Access Programs (GAP) offered through the Gator Resource Center, UHD's hub for basic needs support and resource navigation includes the Gator Mart, SNAP Navigator, Savvy Gator financial wellness initiative, Single Stop benefits screener and resource map, and Resource and Emergency Aid navigation consultations.

The GAP Fund serves as a short-term safety net designed to help students overcome unforeseen emergencies while connecting them to additional campus and community resources that support long-term success regardless of funding availability.

Applications

Applications are open on the second Monday of each month if funding is available.

Eligible students may receive up to $500 in emergency aid once per academic year.

Due to limited funding, students may receive a maximum of two emergency aid (GAP Fund) awards during their entire enrollment at UHD.


ELIGIBLE EMERGENCY EXPENSES

The GAP Fund may help with the following emergency needs:

Childcare

  • Sudden loss of childcare services
  • Unexpected childcare expenses
  • Loss of childcare assistance funding

Housing  

  • Rent
  • Utility bills
  • Internet/Wi-Fi access
  • Other housing-related emergencies due to natural disasters

Health Care

  • Prescription medications
  • Minor medical expenses
  • Emergency dental care

Transportation

  • Emergency vehicle repairs
  • Transportation-related expenses that impact attendance

Technology & Academic Essentials

  • Computers and laptops
  • Calculators
  • Required software and technology tools

GAP Fund Does NOT Cover

  • Tuition
  • University fees
  • Textbooks
  • Course materials
  • Existing university balances
  • Past-due institutional charges

 

ELIGIBILITY

Students requesting assistance must meet all the following requirements during the term for which aid is requested:

Enrollment Requirements

  • Be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UHD
  • Be enrolled at least half-time

Documentation Requirements

  • Provide a description and documentation supporting the financial hardship
  • Documentation of the requested emergency expenses must equal or exceed the amount requested

Examples include:

  • Past due utility notices
  • Rent or mortgage statements
  • Childcare invoices
  • Vehicle repair estimates
  • Medical bills
  • Other emergency-related documentation

Additional Requirements for GAP Fund Application Completion

  • Complete a Single Stop Benefits Screening through the Gator Resource Center
  • Accepted all eligible financial aid offers, including subsidized and unsubsidized loans
  • Not have received a GAP Fund (or emergency aid) award during the current academic year
  • Maintain an active Bank Mobile account
  • Agree to participate in a follow-up meeting with GRC or Dean of Students staff if requested
  • Must not simultaneously be on academic probation, financially delinquent, and in collections

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications open on the second Monday of every month.

  1. Complete Single Stop Benefits Screening.
  2. Gather documentation related to your emergency.
  3. Complete the GAP Fund Application.
  4. Submit all required documentation with the application.
  5. Monitor your UHD email for updates regarding your application.