Montebello, CA – Today, leaders from across the San Gabriel Valley came together to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT) — a groundbreaking model of regional collaboration made possible through the vision, authorship, and leadership of State Senator Susan Rubio.

Senator Rubio, who authored SB 751, established the Housing Trust in 2020 and secured the seed funding that allowed the Trust to immediately begin building high-impact affordable housing projects across the San Gabriel Valley. Today, the Trust stands as one of the most effective regional housing models in the state, with nearly 1,000 affordable housing units funded, hundreds of families housed, and more in development.

SGVCOG President Ed Reece praised the milestone, noting, “The Trust has been a groundbreaking model of regional collaboration, bringing together 25 cities to address homelessness, expand affordable housing opportunities, and more across the valley. We are proud to be a sponsor of SB 751, authored by Senator Susan Rubio, which established the Trust. She secured the seed funding that allowed the trust to hit the ground running, laying the foundation for a remarkable impact that we celebrate today. We are deeply grateful for Senator Rubio—her vision, her determination, and her partnership.”

SGVRHT Executive Director Marisa Creter echoed this gratitude, adding, “The Trust literally wouldn’t exist without Senator Rubio. She was the perfect partner to carry out the bill and establish our regional housing plan.”

SGVRHT Chair Jed Leano emphasized the Senator’s lasting impact, saying, “State Senator Susan Rubio has been the driving force in expanding the Housing Trust, which expands housing opportunities and addresses urgent needs for our communities — she is changing people’s lives. She is the reason we’re all sitting here today.”

During the celebration, Senator Rubio reflected on her experience as a teacher and the importance of housing stability for students and families. “In my 20 years in the classroom, I saw firsthand that students often weren’t worried about academics — they were worried about having food in their bellies and where they were going to sleep. Housing is something I wanted to tackle as a councilmember, and I know each and every one of you wanted to tackle as well,” she said. “We are better together. We are better when we collaborate, when we put personal political differences aside and focus on the families on the street.”

Senator Rubio highlighted the nearly 1,000 individuals who are now housed through the Trust’s work, praising the continued support of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. “It does not happen without them,” she added. “They keep us grounded. They keep us focused on the job we need to do.”

The program also featured moving testimonies from residents whose lives have been transformed by affordable housing. “Hearing Destiny and Martha share their stories fuels what we do,” Senator Rubio said. “This is a beautiful community, and we must continue uplifting one another. I am honored to be your partner, and I am honored to be your Senator.”

In recognition of her leadership, Senator Rubio was presented with the Housing Advocate Award, celebrating her work to secure more than $50 million for affordable housing efforts across the San Gabriel Valley.

The event was attended by regional leaders including La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn, Assemblymembers Blanca Rubio and John Harabedian, SGVCOG Director of Government and Community Relations Ricky Choi, members of the SGVCOG, and families who have been lifted up through SGVRHT projects.

Senator Rubio closed the celebration by reaffirming her commitment to the region:
“We are changing lives — all of us together. Thank you for this privilege.”

Senator Rubio is available for interviews in English or Spanish. To schedule an interview, please contact Giovanni Ruiz at Giovanni.RuizReyes@sen.ca.gov. 

For more information, visit the website of Senator Susan Rubio at senate.ca.gov/rubio