Contact Us
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
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.
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.
- Complete Single Stop Benefits Screening.
- Gather documentation related to your emergency.
- Complete the GAP Fund Application.
- Submit all required documentation with the application.
- Monitor your UHD email for updates regarding your application.