Some families who visit Children’s Hospital find themselves, at times and for various reasons, without enough food to eat, in unsafe or unstable housing, with unreliable transportation, or in similar stressful circumstances. When basic needs such as these are left untreated, the result can have a negative impact on the health of children who are already experiencing serious illnesses and injuries. The Basic Needs Fund of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation was established to address families' basic needs that can be remedied with modest grants to improve current life circumstances that affect children's health.

The Basic Needs Fund has helped families: Receive emergency food resources for a child with diabetes, preventing dangerous health consequences.

Purchase a kitchen stove during a financially desperate time, enabling preparation of meals for young children.

Purchase a window air conditioner, helping to prevent exacerbation of a child's asthma symptoms.

Your contribution to the Basic Needs Fund in any amount will help to continue promoting health and stability to children and their families in times of significant need. For example:                                      

$25 = Emergency food box for a family;

$50 = Grocery store gift card for five families;

$100 = Small household items;

$500 = Larger household items of necessity (i.e., kitchen stove, refrigerator).

Thank you for your interest in supporting children and families through the Basic Needs Fund.