Solis Announces $500,000 Investment to Support Río Hondo College Students Facing Housing and Food Insecurity
Funding will bolster efforts to keep students housed, supported, and on track toward graduation.
Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis stands with Río Hondo College civic leaders and students during the check presentation. (Photo credit: Bryan Chan)
WHITTIER, Calif. — Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis today presented Río Hondo College with a $500,000 check to expand housing stability and basic needs services for students experiencing housing insecurity and food instability.
The funding will strengthen the college’s student support infrastructure and provide direct assistance to vulnerable students so they can remain enrolled, persist in their studies, and complete their educational goals.
“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.”
The grant will fund a range of housing and food security initiatives, including:
- $100,000 in emergency rental assistance for students facing eviction or rental arrears;
- $165,000 in housing subsidies to support 25 students through a partnership housing program with Whittier College;
- $25,000 for move-in kits containing bedding, hygiene supplies and furnishings;
- $68,850 to fund meal plans for students in housing placements;
- $50,000 to support the RíoSource Room and Basic Needs Center food pantry, which serves thousands of students annually; and
- $48,000 in meal vouchers for 75 Hope Scholars to help reduce food insecurity and financial stress.
“This funding represents a powerful partnership demonstrating a shared commitment to equity, opportunity and student success,” said Teresa Dreyfuss, Superintendent/President, Río Hondo College. “By addressing students’ basic needs, we are helping remove barriers that can prevent students from completing their educational goals.”
“We are incredibly grateful for Supervisor Solis’ continued partnership and advocacy for our students and community,” said Rosaelva Lomeli, Board President, Río Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees. “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.”
As the cost of living continues to rise and federal support programs face reductions, local investments in student basic needs have become increasingly critical. Río Hondo College leaders said the funding from Board Chair Solis will strengthen the college’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to growing student demand for emergency assistance and supportive services.
