Support SMU Student Joie Lew
Donation protected
The campaign
On May 12, the Dallas Morning News published a story about SMU student Joie Lew and the adversity she faces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It isn't a story that you hear everyday about members of the SMU community. Joie and her parents currently live in a motel and she has assumed financial responsibility (her mother is a hair stylist and her father drives for Uber) in these trying times.
Dallas Morning News: Homeless SMU student struggles to continue college as coronavirus upends stability
As the article mentions, being accepted to SMU was a dream come true for Joie. She knows it's where she's supposed to be. As alumni, we know the feeling and know she's right. SMU is a special place. We also know that our community has the capacity to do a lot of good.
I encourage everyone to read the article and consider contributing to assist Joie with her family's living expenses and college loans. Joie is the sole beneficiary of the funds raised from this GoFundMe campaign.
Is there a way to help other SMU students?
Unfortunately, Joie's story is one of many. There are many other students in the greater SMU community and across the country in need of assistance. The good news is that there are ways to help SMU students beyond GoFundMe campaigns.
Back in March, the University started the SMU Student Emergency Fund to help students with expenses like tuition, rent, groceries, gas, and wi-fi. More than $53,000 has ben awarded from that fund to help upwards of 80 students, including Joie. Please consider making a contribution to support other SMU students in need by visiting this website . Donations are tax-deductible.
NBCDFW: Homeless Student Struggles to Support Family and Continue Education
FYI... SMU awarded $2.3 million in federal CARES Act funds to 1,650 eligible undergraduates with immediate needs. 1,650!
Does SMU have a food pantry?
Yes! The Shop is a food pantry sustained by the SMU community. The Shop accept donations of non-perishable food and basic essentials. Donations can be dropped off at the Fondren Library Main Desk or in the Dean of Students Office located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center in suite 302. For a list of needed items, click here .
How can SMU students apply for assistance?
SMU students in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out to the University. They are there to help! Fill out and submit this form to begin the application process.
About the organizer
I am a very proud SMU alum (Class of 2009). I came across the article in the Dallas Morning News on Twitter and looked for a GoFundMe or fundraising effort supporting Joie. In the absence of one, the campaign was created to mobilize friends and family associated with SMU to help out. This is about Mustangs helping Mustangs.
Please message with any questions or comments. Thank you for being a part of something good.
On May 12, the Dallas Morning News published a story about SMU student Joie Lew and the adversity she faces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It isn't a story that you hear everyday about members of the SMU community. Joie and her parents currently live in a motel and she has assumed financial responsibility (her mother is a hair stylist and her father drives for Uber) in these trying times.
Dallas Morning News: Homeless SMU student struggles to continue college as coronavirus upends stability
As the article mentions, being accepted to SMU was a dream come true for Joie. She knows it's where she's supposed to be. As alumni, we know the feeling and know she's right. SMU is a special place. We also know that our community has the capacity to do a lot of good.
I encourage everyone to read the article and consider contributing to assist Joie with her family's living expenses and college loans. Joie is the sole beneficiary of the funds raised from this GoFundMe campaign.
Is there a way to help other SMU students?
Unfortunately, Joie's story is one of many. There are many other students in the greater SMU community and across the country in need of assistance. The good news is that there are ways to help SMU students beyond GoFundMe campaigns.
Back in March, the University started the SMU Student Emergency Fund to help students with expenses like tuition, rent, groceries, gas, and wi-fi. More than $53,000 has ben awarded from that fund to help upwards of 80 students, including Joie. Please consider making a contribution to support other SMU students in need by visiting this website . Donations are tax-deductible.
NBCDFW: Homeless Student Struggles to Support Family and Continue Education
FYI... SMU awarded $2.3 million in federal CARES Act funds to 1,650 eligible undergraduates with immediate needs. 1,650!
Does SMU have a food pantry?
Yes! The Shop is a food pantry sustained by the SMU community. The Shop accept donations of non-perishable food and basic essentials. Donations can be dropped off at the Fondren Library Main Desk or in the Dean of Students Office located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center in suite 302. For a list of needed items, click here .
How can SMU students apply for assistance?
SMU students in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out to the University. They are there to help! Fill out and submit this form to begin the application process.
About the organizer
I am a very proud SMU alum (Class of 2009). I came across the article in the Dallas Morning News on Twitter and looked for a GoFundMe or fundraising effort supporting Joie. In the absence of one, the campaign was created to mobilize friends and family associated with SMU to help out. This is about Mustangs helping Mustangs.
Please message with any questions or comments. Thank you for being a part of something good.
Organizer and beneficiary
Payton Keith
Organizer
Dallas, TX
Joie Lew
Beneficiary