FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: May 11, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District, announced a $500,000 investment to the Río Hondo College Foundation to expand housing stability and basic needs support services for Río Hondo College students experiencing housing insecurity and food instability.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at Río Hondo College on May 11 alongside college leaders, students, community partners and members of the Río Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees, including Board President Rosaelva Lomeli, Board Member Anais Medina Diaz and Board Member Oscar Valladares.
“This funding represents a powerful partnership demonstrating a shared commitment to equity, opportunity and student success,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “By addressing students’ basic needs, we are helping remove barriers that can prevent students from completing their educational goals.”
The funding will strengthen Río Hondo College’s holistic, wraparound basic needs strategy through expanded support in the following areas:
- Housing Stability Initiatives — including emergency housing assistance, housing subsidies and move-in support for students facing housing insecurity.
- Food Security and Basic Needs Support — including expanded food pantry services, meal support and additional resources for students experiencing food insecurity.
- Student Success and Wellness Support — including continued support for the College’s nationally recognized Hope Scholars Program, which provides trauma-informed services for students experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
“No student should be forced to sleep in their car, skip meals or risk dropping out because they cannot afford basic necessities,” said Board Chair Solis. “Access to dignity, stability and support should be a given, not a barrier to education. That is why I am proud to make this investment. It will provide critical housing and food support so students can remain enrolled, complete their education and achieve what they set out to accomplish.”
College leaders noted the investment comes at a critical time as higher education institutions continue addressing growing student basic needs challenges following the loss of prior federal funding resources.
“We are incredibly grateful for Supervisor Solis’ continued partnership and advocacy for our students and community,” said Board President Rosaelva Lomeli. “She continues to be a strong ally whose leadership and investment are helping transform lives and strengthening our community through education and opportunity. At Río Hondo College, we remain deeply committed to supporting students’ basic needs, including housing assistance, food security and other critical resources that help students persist and complete their educational goals.”
By investing in housing stability, food security and student support services, the initiative is expected to create lasting impact for students, families and the broader community.
