While Ball State closes residence halls and some facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resources in Muncie and the university are still available for students.
In an email sent Wednesday, Ball State’s Office of Student Affairs listed resources available for Ball State students, staff and faculty “facing basic needs insecurity.”
Food:
Starting March 25, Cardinal Kitchen will be closed for the remainder of the semester, according to the email. Other resources that remain available are Second Harvest Food Bank tailgates, the next one in Muncie taking place 8-10 a.m. March 25 at Muncie Mall.
Additionally, people can contact seek food assistance from Delaware County or view the Aunt Bertha website, a network that connects people with nearby social care providers, to see other available resources.
The email stated that any students who may experience a significant change in their financial stability — loss of wages, for example — may be eligible for the Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP).
Housing:
Students who are facing issues with property owners or leases during this time can consult Student Legal Services to seek assistance, the email stated. Any student that is struggling to pay rent or utilities during this time can apply for the Student Emergency Loan Program at Ball State.
The email describes emergencies as “circumstances beyond a student's control such as an accident, loss of income, or illness.”
In order to be eligible for the emergency loan, all other sources of funding must be exhausted, including options available from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and assistance from family members.
For those worried about social distancing in a house that they don't feel safe in, help is available through A Better Way and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Financial aid and assistance:
Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to explore and exhaust state and federal financial aid options available to them.
Healthcare:
Ambulatory health care is available through the Student Health Center. The email states students are recommended to call to schedule an appointment. Students who do not carry insurance and are seeking healthcare providers outside of Ball State can review their eligibility for Medicaid through the Healthcare.gov website.
Open Door Health Services, a nonprofit federally qualified health center providing primary and preventative healthcare services to individuals and families throughout East Central Indiana regardless of health insurance status, is also available for members of the Muncie community, according to the email.
The Counseling Center will also continue to provide services online for the remainder of the semester.
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