FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: December 4, 2025 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — Recognizing the urgent and growing crisis of student homelessness and housing insecurity across California, Río Hondo College is being highlighted as a statewide model for its pioneering Hope Scholars program — the first program of its kind created specifically to support students facing homelessness or housing instability. It’s a high-touch, student centered model incorporating targeted services designed to meet the core, critical needs of the students it serves.
In November, Dr. Jessica Perea, dean of Student Wellness and Resources and acting executive director of Foundation and College Initiatives, presented alongside the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to unveil the updated Hope Scholars Toolkit, a statewide guide shaped directly by Río Hondo College’s trailblazing model for supporting students experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Developed by John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) in partnership with Río Hondo College, the guide offers practical steps for colleges seeking to launch or strengthen support for students experiencing homelessness.
“Río Hondo College is committed to removing barriers that prevent students from reaching their educational goals,” said President Teresa Dreyfuss. “Hope Scholars reflects our mission to serve every student with dignity, compassion and opportunity.”
Board President Oscar Valladares added, “This work is reshaping how basic needs are addressed statewide. We’re proud that Río’s model is helping other colleges support all students.”
The Hope Scholars Toolkit is now available on the JBAY website as a guide for community colleges and universities.
For more information, please visit www.riohondo.edu.
About John Burton Advocates for Youth
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for foster, homeless and disconnected youth through policy advocacy, program development and educational partnerships.
RHC_Images 1, 2 & 3 Hope Scholars: Río Hondo College students in RíoSource dedicated space on campus.
