UNBC is committed to working to reduce poverty and poverty-related social inequities at a local, regional, and global level. This commitment starts at home with efforts to ensure that students, staff, and faculty are supported, but it extends to research throughout northern B.C. through the Community Development Institute and research around the world (i.e., in Guatemala, Siberia). Our students are made aware of the issues, and through student groups such as the Timberwolves Student Association and UNBC’s JDC West team, they work at a local level to help alleviate poverty and support unhoused individuals.

NUGSS Emergency Financial Aid

NUGSS Emergency Aid fund is available to students in good standing with the Society who demonstrate considerable need in meeting the necessities of life. Emergency Aid can be awarded to a maximum of $250 per qualified student per academic year. The fund will be available to students that have exhausted all other avenues within the University.

CUPE 3799 Hardship Fund

During the 2019 UNBCFA job action, a group of CUPE 3799 members representing staff at UNBC came together to launch a special Hardship Fund to help our members most in need of emergency financial support.  

They received generous contributions from the Faculty Association, CUPE BC and community members and they were able to provide funds quickly to more than two dozen members.  

With the support of the CUPE 3799 executive and membership, the Hardship Fund is now a permanent fund within the Local. Any member who is facing emergency financial hardship is eligible to apply.

UNBC Drives Housing Solutions for Northern Resilience 

UNBC’s Community Development Institute (CDI) tackles the northern housing challenges that underpin poverty across rural B.C. Marleen Morris explains that much of the region’s housing stock was built for 1960s family structures and now leaves many older residents in large, inefficient homes facing “energy poverty.” Through CDI’s research, UNBC is helping governments and communities explore creative solutions such as deeper energy-efficiency subsidies and subdividing existing houses to meet today’s needs. These approaches aim to make home ownership more affordable, attract workers, and keep northern towns socially and economically resilient.

Sustainability in action at UNBC