Nearly 100 students displaced by Hurricane Ida this week received packages of food and personal protective equipment at a pantry drive hosted by the University of Houston-Downtown Friday. The event took place in the UHD Student Activities Office from noon to 2 p.m. in One Main Building.

Students and their families were given water and non-perishable food, like chips, protein bars, canned vegetables and fruit. They also received masks and hand sanitizer and other PPE. 

"It's very comforting to know that I have such a strong support system here in Houston, my hometown," said Haley Brown who attends Xavier University. 

Students from the University of New Orleans, Southern University of New Orleans, Xavier University, Delgado Community College, Dillard University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Nicholls State University and other affected schools were invited to attend. 

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 8, UHD will offer $50 prepaid reloadable ID cards for students to use on our campus in our cafeteria.

"Helping others is in the DNA of the University of Houston-Downtown, and working as a team makes this possible," said Tremaine Kwasikpui, Director of Student Activities. "I am proud to be a part of this project along with UHD colleagues Erika Harrison, Dr. Meritza Tamez, Dr. Creshema Murray, Jacob Lipp, Dr. John Hudson, Elena Martinez, student workers, and President Loren Blanchard who exemplify our public service values."