At Regis, we welcome all without distinction and do our best to support members of our community who are experiencing academic, emotional, and financial struggles. The Dear Neighbor Fund was established in 2010 through the generosity of many members of the greater Regis College community to support emergency financial needs of members of our community. The Dear Neighbor Fund is funded entirely through donations and fundraising from Regis community members and friends and the amount of money in the funds fluctuates.
Individuals who are in need of assistance should complete a short application, which will be reviewed by the Dear Neighbor Fund Committee.
Any member of the Regis community is eligible to apply, though we request limiting applications to once a year because funding is limited. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.
At the start of a semester, the fund receives a heavy volume of requests. The committee does its best to respond to requests within two weeks of application, but decisions are made by a committee and volunteers and processing of awards takes several days.
Important Notes: The information shared in the application will remain private and will only be used by the Dear Neighbor Fund Committee in an effort to distribute equitably the funds available.
Due to limited funds and high demand, we recommend students only apply once each year, though you are welcome to reach out more if circumstances change. Unfortunately, submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.
This fund is intended to support emergency expenses. Some examples of funded requests in the past include support for transportation, food, and books. Unfortunately, this fund cannot be used for tuition, room and board, or program fees.
However, please know that your specific needs matter to us, and we will do our best to help you address them with a combination of financial support, resources, and personal follow-up.
With questions or particular concerns, please reach out to DearNeighborFund@regiscollege.edu.
Created in the honor of former Vice President of Student Affairs Lynn Tripp Coleman '77, the Dear Neighbor Fund provides specialized support to Regis students in need through the following programs:
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The Hospitality Center
University members who struggle with food insecurity can receive help through this program that distributes healthy, non-perishable foods in a discrete, welcoming space.
How Does It Work?
Participants can choose from a variety of non-perishable foods and personal care products to help meet their needs. Participants may visit the Hospitality Center as many times as needed. We welcome participants to suggest items that they lack, we always do our best to stock the Hospitality Center with items suggested.
If you would like to access the Hospitality Center, please contact Dan Leahy for more information.
Location
The center is located in a private room behind the Peace Room in Room 1 of St. Joseph Hall. It can be accessed from the quad at any time.
How Can You Help?
Food insecurity is a serious, ongoing issue for members of our university community, and for people worldwide. There will always be a need for donations and financial assistance so the center can maintain operations.
Members of the university interested in helping can make a financial donation to the Dear Neighbor Fund or deliver non-perishable food and personal care items to the center by contacting the Center for Ministry and Service or visiting us in St. Joseph Hall Room 4.
There are also bins at the following locations around campus: the university library, Student Affairs, and the Regis Children’s Center.
Items welcomed for donation include: shower caps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, shelf-stable, easy to cook foods (beans, rice, cereal), water and other bottled beverages.
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The Housing Program
At certain times during the year, particularly the holidays and summer break, Regis may offer conditional housing to students who are unable to go home for a variety of reasons.
How Does It Work?
Students who participate in this program complete a short application. As part of the application, the students explain how the housing will support them in their academic endeavors and allow them to continue to embrace the Regis mission. Students must also demonstrate that they have established a payment plan for their Regis tuition in order to be eligible for this program.
How Can You Help?
The program is supported by the Dear Neighbor Fund and participating students also find assistance through the Hospitality Center.
Contact
For more information and an application, please contact Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Conduct Officer Bridget Buoniconti.
