RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. – Hope through Housing Foundation’s 2026 An Evening of Hope raised nearly $900,000 on Oct. 9 to support programs that help children succeed, families build stability and seniors stay connected in affordable housing communities.
Hundreds of supporters gathered for a street fair inspired by the theme Never Alone. Four neighborhoods invited guests to experience how Hope through Housing walks alongside residents at different stages of life.
At Welcome Home Way, guests contributed to a community mural. Discovery Drive celebrated literacy through book donations, messages of encouragement and a thumbprint art installation. Live Well Lane featured chair aerobics and a soccer challenge with the Empire Strykers. On Opportunity Avenue, guests recorded testimonials at K-CORE Radio and learned about CORE Academy’s career training programs.
“Never Alone is a promise to our residents that wherever they are in life, there will be people walking beside them,” Hope through Housing Executive Director Alyssa Cotter said. “The generosity we saw throughout the evening will help us continue creating opportunities for residents to learn, grow and thrive.”
Stories shared during the program showed what that support can mean. Judy and her two sons found a home at Villa Serena after about a year without stable housing, often sleeping in their car. CORE Academy graduates Lauren and Cristian gained the experience and mentorship they needed to begin careers after struggling to find work in their fields. Both now work full time on National CORE’s marketing team.
Funds raised will support after-school learning, career training and programs that help seniors remain active and connected. They also sustain individualized assistance for residents working to establish and maintain housing stability.
Mayor L. Dennis Michael Receives Legacy Award
The evening included a special presentation of the Legacy Award to Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael, recognizing his years of public service and longstanding partnership with National CORE and Hope through Housing. The recognition celebrated his commitment to the community that National CORE calls home and the lasting importance of local leadership in expanding opportunity for residents.
“Affordable housing provides stability, but what happens within that community can shape the course of someone’s life,” National CORE Co-Founder and Chairman Jeffrey S. Burum said. “An Evening of Hope showed what is possible when residents, partners and supporters come together around a shared belief in opportunity.”
This year’s honorees also included U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, Dr. Richard Hart, CalOptima Health, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Children’s Fund, Career Strategies and US Bank.
Live music from Think: X, a silent auction and neighborhood activities rounded out an evening whose impact will continue through the support residents receive in their communities.
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