The CARES center, which stands for crisis, advocacy, resources, education and support, has been active on Kent State’s campus since fall of 2020. The center provides students with things such as food, financial help and shelter. 

Allison Gillis, a case manager with the CARES center, said that since joining in May, over 100 students have been helped. 

“That’s just our case management, so that’s not including our food pantry students,” Gillis said.

Gillis said her and another case manager, Brenda Schmucker, are hands-on with students in giving them immediate access to resources and working with them to provide money or a place to stay.

“We do have an emergency fund that Brenda and I can assist the student in submitting,” Gillis said. “They can get up to $500 if they’re eligible, and that’s really going to help pay for like a temporary hotel room or a motel.”

Along with other supplies, such as food and necessities, the CARES center has contact with other resources in order to give students temporary homes and cheaper living costs. The center offers discounts on living places for students, and they even have campus support where a student can have a safe place to stay for up to three days.

Brenda Schmucker said the center helps students within 24 hours and provides them with what they need. 

“If there are resources that would be applicable for them, we are going to do our best to track down whatever it is that we can,” she said.

Students can get in touch with them through email, phone or just stopping by. For students who are more nervous about contacting the center they can fill out an online referral form of what they are in need of. 

The CARES center is always looking for donations from students who are able to help with gifting non-perishable food items or toiletries. Students can stop by the center during business hours to give donations or they can go on the Amazon wish list for the center. 

Lucy Connolly is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].