A crucial part of ensuring that students succeed and graduate from our programs involves meeting them where they are. When students arrive at CKP, they are oftentimes working to transcend profound barriers in their lives including poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, incarceration, and coping with trauma.

These barriers come with significant financial challenges, and the Student Relief Fund will help to alleviate said challenges. There are many ways students could benefit from financial assistance such as first months rent, security deposits, utility bills, driver's license fees, child care expenses, uniforms, or other requirements of a new job.

Students like Matthew.

When an anonymous donor donated a car to CKP for food deliveries and daily activities, there were no plans to use it for anything else. But recent CKP graduate Matthew had been offered a job and unfortunately did not have access to transportation, which was a requirement of accepting the job offer.

CKP loaned Matthew the company car and covered the costs of gas during his first two paycheck cycles so he could achieve a new level of financial stability. After a few months, Matthew purchased his own car!

A robust Student Relief Fund fund will help to ensure the safety, job readiness, and continued success of every student who could benefit from extra support.

And while we cannot solve every challenge that arises, we can work together to stabilize students in times of urgent financial crises. The more well-equipped we are to meet these critical moments head-on, the better the outcomes are for each student. Community Kitchen Pittsburgh remains committed to the personal and professional growth and success of every student regardless of financial capacity or socioeconomic status.

Thank you for making a difference!