Rio Hondo Student Support took a major step forward this month after Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis presented Río Hondo College with a $500,000 investment for housing and food assistance programs. College leaders announced the funding during a May 11 press conference attended by students, trustees and community partners.
The funding will expand emergency housing aid, food pantry services and wellness support for students facing financial hardship. College officials said rising housing costs and reductions in federal support programs have increased demand for basic needs services across campus.
Solis said students should not have to choose between paying rent and completing their education.
“No student should be forced to sleep in their car, skip meals or risk dropping out because they cannot afford basic necessities,” Solis said. “Access to dignity, stability and support should be a given, not a barrier to education.”
The investment includes $100,000 for emergency rental assistance and $165,000 for housing subsidies tied to a partnership housing program with Whittier College. Another $25,000 will provide move-in kits that include bedding, hygiene supplies and furnishings for students entering housing placements.
Río Hondo College also plans to use $68,850 for student meal plans, $50,000 for its RíoSource Room and Basic Needs Center food pantry, and $48,000 in meal vouchers for 75 Hope Scholars students.
Rio Hondo Student Support Expands Basic Needs Services
Superintendent and President Teresa Dreyfuss said the investment strengthens the college’s broader strategy to address barriers that often prevent students from completing degrees or transferring to four-year universities.
“This funding represents a powerful partnership demonstrating a shared commitment to equity, opportunity and student success,” Dreyfuss said. “By addressing students’ basic needs, we are helping remove barriers that can prevent students from completing their educational goals.”
Board President Rosaelva Lomeli praised Solis for continuing to advocate for students across the San Gabriel Valley. Lomeli said the county partnership will help stabilize vulnerable students and improve long-term educational outcomes.
College officials said the nationally recognized Hope Scholars Program will continue receiving support through the new funding package. The program provides trauma-informed services for students experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
Rio Hondo Student Support programs now serve thousands of students each year through housing referrals, emergency grants, food assistance and counseling resources. Administrators said the latest county investment will help the college respond faster as student demand continues to grow.
More information about student resources is available through Río Hondo College and the Los Angeles County First District.
Photo by Bryan Chan / Board of Supervisors
