hope post
summer Newsletter 2026
Note from a Friend
Hope y’all are enjoying summer! I know we are still feeling the love and support poured out for our kids at Hope & Hay Bales! What a beautiful (and even a bit hilarious, with me getting on the mechanical bull) evening of celebration of all that has been made possible for Orange County’s students experiencing homelessness this year. And, we couldn’t be prouder of the youth we serve who walked across graduation stages and are now headed off to college. One of those incredible students is Victoria, who will soon be a proud Gaucho as she enters the University of California at Santa Barbara in the fall. You can read all about her impressive journey and what your support has made possible in this Hope Post.
Whether it’s our education partners like the Orange County Department of Education, or our supporters like you, together we’ve been hope in action this school year in the lives of our kids and the systems that serve them. Now let’s have some summer fun! I know our kids and youth are ready for it and we can’t wait to tell you all about it in our next Hope Post!
Jenifer Friend
Chief Executive Officer
Anti Gala:
HOPE AND HAY BALES
Our 12th Annual Anti-Gala: Hope & Hay Bales was a tremendous success, bringing together supporters, partners, and friends for an unforgettable evening of Western charm, community, and generosity. Held at The Red Horse Barn in Huntington Beach, the event celebrated the incredible impact we can make together for youth experiencing homelessness in Orange County.
Guests enjoyed delicious food, lively entertainment from the Huntington Beach High School Bluegrass Band, meaningful connections, and inspiring moments of generosity that helped raise more than $308,000. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and sponsored this special evening. Your support is helping create brighter futures for the children and families we serve.
project hope alliance
impact stories
Victoria’s Journey
A Future Full of Promise
Victoria’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and leadership. This fall, she will begin an exciting new chapter at UC Santa Barbara after earning acceptance to multiple universities.
Throughout high school, Victoria excelled academically while serving in ASB, leading as President of a club on campus, and advocating for students through her school district by sharing her lived experience.
When Victoria first connected with Project Hope Alliance, she was living in her aunt’s garage with only a bed and a dresser and very little privacy. To help create a space where she could feel safe and focused, we provided privacy panels, giving her a greater sense of comfort and stability during a challenging time.
Project Hope Alliance also helped ensure Victoria could experience the milestones that make high school memorable. Through our support, she was able to attend her senior prom and Grad Nite, opportunities she may not otherwise have had. These experiences allowed her to celebrate alongside her peers and create lasting memories.
As Victoria prepares for college, her hard work and dedication continue to be recognized. She was awarded the prestigious Heid Scholarship, which will provide $20,000 toward her college education and help support her bright future.
We are incredibly proud of all Victoria has accomplished and honored to have been part of her journey!
“The students we recognize through this scholarship remind us that potential is not defined by circumstance. Despite significant challenges, they have shown perseverance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to their future. I believe our Foundation’s values align with those held by PHA, and our commitment to the youth at Santa Ana High School is rooted in the belief that when talented young people are given support and opportunity, they can accomplish extraordinary things.”
Aubree Boul
Heid Scholarship Foundation
connecting for impact
In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, Project Hope Alliance helped lead Connecting for Impact, bringing together educators, school staff, and community partners committed to supporting students experiencing homelessness.
Together, we focused on:
- Strengthening early identification of students experiencing homelessness
- Enhancing coordinated, schoolwide systems of care
- Improving referral and follow-up pathways so students can access support more quickly and effectively
By working alongside schools and community partners across Orange County, we are building a stronger, more responsive network of support, helping ensure every child is seen, supported, and connected to the resources they need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this important work. Together, we move closer to a future where every student experiencing homelessness has the stability and support they need to thrive.
our team is
growing
We’ve had quite the growth
spurt this past school year!
We were thrilled to welcome Amy Carrillo as Program Manager; Bertha Mondragon, Alex Ramirez, Maria Castaneda, and Nathalie Brandon as Case Managers; Danny Martinez as Program Coordinator; Marigrace Buendia as Grant Writer; and Janelle Tran as Development Operations Coordinator.
Our growing team is excited to be part of supporting students experiencing homelessness in Orange County.
