Brownwood News – Howard Payne University recently received a $10,000 Texas Emergency Aid Grant from the Texas Higher Education Foundation. The grant is offered through the Texas Emergency Aid Program, initiated by the foundation in partnership with the Greater Texas Foundation and the Trellis Foundation to aid institutions during the COVID-19 crisis.

HPU is one of the 57 initial grant recipients, comprised of public and private institutions of higher education from across the state of Texas. At HPU, the funding will be used to directly provide food and other household goods to stock the Food & Essentials Pantry, a service available to students and their dependents.

“I love that HPU has a Food & Essentials Pantry for our students,” said Josh Snow, director of student activities and coordinator for the pantry. “Each time I tell students that it is a free service to them, I am reminded what a blessing it is that we are able to offer that. My hope is that none of our students have to worry about going without food or essential items, but instead are able to come pick up items and focus on their education.”

Dr. Dale Meinecke, vice president for development, thanked the Texas Higher Education Foundation and its partners for their support of HPU students through the emergency grant.

“I am very grateful for this collaborative effort of Texas foundations to support direct aid for our students during a difficult time,” he said.

Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president, addressed the important role such contributions play in the university’s effort to support students and faculty in a time of unprecedented adversity.

“This grant will help us to continue to assist our students,” he said. “I have confidence that the Lord will keep using HPU to positively impact the lives of students as we navigate through unique and trying times.”