From backpacks to folders, pens and pencils, 1,720 children across National CORE affordable housing communities received supplies to help them start the new school year prepared.
Hope through Housing Foundation hosted giveaways at 52 National CORE affordable housing communities, bringing school essentials directly to families where they live.
Tunisia, a Hawthorne Terrace resident and mother of two young sons, appreciated having the support available steps from home.
“Having these resources right here on the premises is so convenient, especially for those with young children who make it hard to go anywhere,” she said.
Beyond convenience, the giveaways can also ease the financial pressure families face when preparing for school.
“These resources are so important because you never truly know what a family is going through,” she said.
Families with children in elementary through high school expect to spend an average of $863.86 on school-related purchases in 2026, including about $146 on school supplies alone, according to the National Retail Federation.
The giveaways helped offset some of those costs while making sure children had supplies for the school year ahead.
Eight-year-old Lamiyah chose a light pink backpack and was already looking forward to returning to school.
“I’m excited about seeing my teachers,” she said.
Hope through Housing wants children across its communities to begin the year with that same excitement.
“We want every child to begin the school year feeling confident, prepared and excited to learn,” said Alyssa Cotter, executive director of Hope through Housing. “For many families, the cost of getting ready for a new school year can be a real financial burden. By bringing backpacks and school supplies directly to the communities we serve, we are helping lighten that burden while giving children the tools they need to walk into the classroom ready to learn, grow and succeed.”
Thank You to Our Community Partners
The Hope through Housing Foundation thanks the community partners and donors whose support helped make this year’s school supply giveaways possible.
Los Angeles
Verizon
Inland Empire
Target
Visiting Angels
20-20 Vision Youth
Children’s Fund
Walmart
Costco
Rialto Fire Department
Bank of America
Private donors
Orange County
Verizon
Hands of Grace
Target
Lizbeth Labrada
Precise Aerospace
Addison Group
Vida Wellness
Friends Church
San Diego
AT&T
Verizon
Chase Bank
UEI
Workshops for Warriors
Life Science Cares
Target
Mental Bar Cafe
Precision Landscape
Banc of California
Alterome
Cheryl and Angela Whisenhunt
