The Hub, located in the Howard Gittis Student Center, now provides new and expanded resources for food, housing, transportation, clothing, financial aid, health and well-being, technology access, and more.

In its strategic plan, Forward with Purpose, Temple University has identified Student Success as its keystone priority by fostering an environment where all learners are empowered and equipped to succeed academically and personally. As part of its commitment to supporting holistic student development, the university has opened the Christopher and Julie Barnett Essential Needs Hub. Phase one of the facility was completed last year, and with phase two now complete, the hub is fully operational.

Located in the lower level of the Howard Gittis Student Center, this 26,000-square-foot centralized space offers new and expanded resources to address needs such as food, housing, transportation, clothing, mental and physical health, financial aid, technology access, and more. 

Hub staff and student resource navigators provide personalized guidance to individuals seeking these services.

“Through the implementation of the strategic plan, we are working to ensure that student success remains at the center of Temple’s mission and the way we operate the university,” said President John Fry. “The Christopher and Julie Barnett Essential Needs Hub reflects that commitment, and we are deeply grateful to the Barnetts for their generosity. The Hub brings together critical resources that help students address essential needs, navigate challenges and connect with support across the university. By making it easier for students to get help when they need it, we can remove barriers that too often interfere with their ability to persist and graduate.”

The Hub’s name recognizes the generosity of University Trustee Christopher Barnett, CLA ’10, and his wife Julie. Last year, Barnett committed $55 million to Temple, the largest gift in the university’s history.

The Barnett Irvine Cherry Pantry, also named to honor Barnett’s support of Temple’s on-campus food pantry, is now part of the Hub. At its new location, the pantry has expanded to 3,000 square feet, becoming the largest food pantry on a U.S. college campus. Providing free access to nutritious food and personal care products, the pantry has additional room for food storage, allowing for more frequent deliveries and a consistent supply of fresh produce.

Earlier this year, the pantry opened a SPOT Period Satellite Menstrual Hub to make period products more accessible to the university community.

“The Essential Needs Hub is about removing barriers that can get in the way of a student’s ability to succeed,” said Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president for student affairs. “Students should not have to navigate multiple offices or figure out on their own where to turn when they need help. By bringing essential resources together and creating a clear place to start, we can respond earlier, connect students to the right support, and help them stay focused on their education and their path to graduation.”

To determine which services to offer at the Hub, Student Affairs conducted more than 100 interviews with faculty, staff and students.

And a 2024 survey from Temple University’s Hope Center for Student Basic Needs revealed that more than half of college students nationally reported experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity related to food or housing. Student Affairs also found that 65% of Temple students reported being unaware of available supports.

Thanks to this extensive research, the Hub has integrated such resources as the Temple Thrift storefront, which provides a permanent place for students to buy affordable clothing, shoes, accessories and other essentials. Every purchase supports the Dr. Theresa Powell Student Emergency Aid Fund, offering financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardships. Students can also pick up free graduation regalia at the clothing shop.

Additionally, the Hub includes various health and well-being services like the Resiliency Resource Center to strengthen emotional wellness and engage in self-directed wellness practices; the Zen Den to indulge in relaxation, mindfulness and self-care; and Maddy’s Sensory Space to access sensory tools and reduced stimulation that supports self-regulation.

“We designed every square foot of the Hub to make it easier for students to get help and to make seeking that help as commonplace as going to the library,” said Accavallo. “Students should know where to start, feel comfortable walking through the door and leave connected to the resources they need. Through the Hub, we’re establishing an ethos of care where asking for help is a normal part of the student experience."

In partnership with the Office of Sustainability, the Hub also offers Secondhand Cycles—Bike Temple’s bicycle surplus program in which abandoned bikes from campus are refurbished and made available to students.

The center connects students with numerous units across campus such as the CARE (Crisis, Assessment, Response, Education) Team, the Office of Student Financial Services, Tuttleman Counseling Services, Student Health Services and Off-campus Living. It collaborates with organizations in the city and commonwealth as well including the Pennsylvania Department of Education and uAspire, the rental assistance program with Avery Philly, Philly Community Wireless and more.

Another focus of the Hub is to make resources and services available to North Philadelphians, partnering with the Barnett College of Public Health and the city to address the community’s needs.

The Hub launched its first phase in October 2025, opening classroom and programming space and bringing in staff to handle off-campus living and crisis management. Now that it’s fully operational, a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, during Homecoming and Family Weekend.

“Homecoming is about coming back to a place that’s yours. That’s also how we want students and the community to feel when they walk into the Hub,” said Accavallo.

The Hub is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with hours available one Saturday each month. Individuals are welcome to walk in or make an appointment.