2021 Unsung Heroes of the Year Awards
Our Unsung Hero of the Year awards call out and acknowledge people from our partner agencies who go above and beyond – those who are tirelessly working day in and day out to end homelessness in our community.
It takes more than talk to ensure that our community’s children, families and individuals have access to stable housing. It takes people of action. Their compassion, devotion and passion shine through in all that they do, and they deserve to be recognized.
We thank the following nominated men and women who have made extraordinary contributions in helping champion our cause of inspiring hope and ending homelessness in Orange County.

Learn about Carmen Balandran
Carmen Balandran
Assistant Program Director
Mental Health Association of Orange County

Learn about Erin DeRycke
Erin DeRycke
Director of Continuum of Care Data and Operations
2-1-1 Orange County

Learn about Richard Owens
Richard Owens
Senior Program Manager of Supportive Services
Jamboree Housing Corporation

Learn about Josie Mendez
Josie Mendez
Data and Compliance Coordinator
Family Solutions Collaborative

Learn about Anthony Trejo
Anthony Trejo
Resident Manager
Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County

Learn about Jennifer Vallejo
Jennifer Vallejo
Supervisory Social Worker, OC HUD-VASH Program Project-Based Team
VA Long Beach Healthcare System