The COVID-19 crisis hit vulnerable communities hard, including post-secondary students. They have weathered disruption of their studies, loss of employment, and increased financial need. Some struggle to pay for tuition, rent and other life essentials.  

“When COVID-19 struck, my whole world practically turned upside down,” said Alexia Bowen, a fourth-year in the Bachelor of Commerce – Hospitality and Tourism program at Humber College. 

Bowen was working two jobs before the pandemic – at Humber as a student ambassador and in a hotel. Since then, she has been unable to find employment. Bowen has dealt with health issues for many years and when she feels stress, her condition worsens. 

Her situation is unique, but her need for emergency financial relief is not. Humber College has recognized that immense financial insecurity requires an institution and community-wide approach.  

Calling on the community 

The COVID-19 Support Our Students (SOS) Fund - available to full-time summer students - launched Wednesday.

Student government IGNITE contributed $250 thousand to the effort - the second time IGNITE has provided significant financial support in response to COVID-19.

“Our halls, whether brick or virtual, will always be a place where students can find support. The future is in our hands and it’s our responsibility to protect it,” said Monica Khosla, President of IGNITE.  

Humber announced it will match the first $100,000 donations made before May 14.

"The COVID-19 SOS Fund will provide financial assistance to students experiencing urgent need at this time," said Chris Whitaker, Humber College president. 

 "The response so far from members of the College community has been remarkable, but we know that more will be needed in the weeks and months to come." 

Humber has received more than 5,000 applications from students in need of emergency financial support - more than it typically receives in any given year. 
The requests amount to a need of over $15 million. 

The college has already allocated $1.15 million to students in need.

Alexia Bowen is one of those students. She recieved an emergency COVID-19 bursary. 

“It came at the right time. It will hold me over for at least another two months.” 

She is grateful but unsurprised that Humber College was able to support her through crisis, or that the college is launching another aid initiative. 

“They’ll never let you down,” she said. 

Domestic, international students eligible 

SOS Fund is open to returning domestic and international students currently living in Canada and registered in full-time postsecondary programs in the Summer 2020 term. Students who apply must demonstrate financial hardship due to job loss or increased living and educational costs like access to WIFI or computer equipment. 

“Our students are our future first responders, childcare specialists, business leaders, culinary experts, nurses, artists and skilled tradespeople,” said Whitaker.  

He believes in their potential to support families and communities in future crises. Through the COVID-19 SOS Fund, the community has an opportunity to help them realize it.  

For the latest COVID-19 updates from Humber College visit humber.ca/updates and humber.ca/updates/gov-finaid for more information on government financial aid programs.