Financial Assistance
The Gator Resource Center department offers a variety of financial assistance programs
to undergraduate and graduate students, the financial literacy to aid students in
making wise financial decisions, and connections to on-campus student financial aid
services.
Text Book funds and Utility Assistance programs are available; however, Utility assistance
is referred to agencies outside of the University of Houston-Downtown.
Funds are limited in many programs and may not be readily available at the time of
your request.
Financial Literacy Resources
Feed the Pig provides tools, tips and resources to help people save money. Create a profile to
track your savings over time, watch videos, take quizzes to test your personal finance
knowledge, and identify ways you can start saving and make changes that will help
you reduce debt and grow your savings. This site is part of a national campaign sponsored
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Advertising Council.
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching the basics about financial
education. Whether you are buying a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in
your education, these resources will help you maximize your financial decisions. Throughout
the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies and bureaus
designed to help you make smart financial choices.
360 Financial Literacy is a free program of the nation’s certified public accountants to help Americans
understand their personal finances through every stage of life. The website contains
articles addressing such topics as "Freshman Finance 101: Money Management Skills
for College Students" and "College students and credit cards: What you don't know
can hurt you."
Financial Literacy/Budgeting
Our ongoing Financial Literacy classes, held twice a month on the 2nd Thursday (at 1pm), and on the 3rd Thursday (at 11am)
of the month are free and held over zoom. Pre-registration is required.
Topics vary and range from Identity Theft, to Budgeting, to Improving Credit Scores
and General Financial Literacy.
Register for the financial literacy class on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Register for the class held on the 3rd Thursday of the month..
Thank you to Hancock Whitney Bank and Frost Bank for leading these classes.
The Women’s Resource: YourLife Finance Classes
Our six-class series lays the groundwork for building a strong financial future. Each
topic provides new knowledge and strategies so you can see and believe your financial
goals are possible. Classes are taught by trained volunteers at local nonprofits,
libraries, businesses, government agencies, and now online, in more than 35 ZIP codes
across the Houston area.
Our teachings are based on a curriculum designed by our staff in conjunction with
a nationally recognized expert in the field. It is action-oriented and promotes our
clients to make real and lasting change in their lives from day one.
United Way of Greater Houston: Financial Coaching
Through financial education and coaching, budgeting, credit/debt counseling, homeownership
counseling, and financial products and technology, United Way THRIVE families get
the help they need to build savings for emergencies and future goals.
Easter Seals of Greater Houston: Houston Financial Education and Coaching in partnership with Chase Bank)
Easter Seals Greater Houston’s Housing and Financial Coaching Programs assist low-income
individuals and families, veterans and adults with disabilities and families of children
with disabilities reach their dreams of owning their first homes through financial
coaching, financial education, homebuyers education and down payment assistance.
Contact us at FinancialCoach@eastersealshouston.org to learn more and set up an appointment. The BridgingApps Lab, ToyTech lending library,
and Financial Coaches are available during Tuesday Family Nights from 4:30 pm-6:30
pm.
Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy
Launched under the leadership of the Mayor, the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy
(MOAL) focuses on enhancing awareness of the impact that low functional literacy including
low digital, financial, and health literacy has on our economy, communities, families,
and individuals. MOAL advocates and endeavors to build capacity for adult literacy
and adult education causes, providers, and learners.
Oversight of MOAL and its operations is entrusted to the Houston Public Library, 7th
largest library system in the country, whose mission is centered on service equity
and promoting reading and literacy.
United Way of Greater Houston
These important resources help families not only gain financial stability but also
build stronger, more sustainable futures for themselves and their children.
Gator Emergency Fund
Applications will open the 2nd Monday of each month for Fall 2025. Due to limited funding, the GEF will close after receiving the set amount of applications
for review that month.
*GEF applications will open again on November 10, 2025.
The Gator Emergency Fund (GEF) is a grant established through the generous gifts of alumni and friends, and awards
from various foundations and grants. The GEF provides currently enrolled degree-seeking
students with assistance to address an unexpected financial hardship to help students
stay enrolled in the courses.
The GEF provides grant aid up to $500.00 once per academic year to provide stability
and security in the following areas: housing, transportation, and childcare. In addition
to grant aid, students may also receive campus/community referrals to supplement grant
aid.
This grant does not apply to tuition, fees, materials, textbooks, or past balances.
Eligibility Criteria for Funding:
Currently enrolled as a UHD student during the term in which aid is requested.
Have supporting documentation of the unexpected expense and/or unexpected financial
hardship (e.g., copy of past due utilities, rent/mortgage, childcare, car repair estimate,
etc.) that equals the amount of the request.
- Have completed a Single Stop benefits screening located on the Gator Resource website
- Have accepted/declined all financial aid offers, including subsidized and unsubsidized
loans.
- Have not previously received an award in the current academic year
- Have an active BankMobile account.
- Agree to schedule a follow-up meeting with the Dean of Students staff or designee
a few weeks following the award if requested.
- Must not be in academic probation, financial delinquency and in financial collections
at the same time.
