Summer Solstice Soirée & Star Awards
We celebrated SUCCESS on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the inaugural HELP USA Summer Solstice Soirée and STAR Awards, part of a national movement to honor accomplishments in the fight to end homelessness on the Summer Solstice, a day filled with light.
On a promising afternoon, guests gathered at HELP USA’s headquarters in Union Square, NYC, to affirm our commitment to our mission. This event was not just a celebration, but a testament to the significant change we can bring about when we stand together.
HELP President and CEO Dan Lehman said during his remarks, “Overcoming homelessness is not easy. Victories are hard to come by. But here at HELP, we see wins every day, finding solutions that provide people with safe, stable, and affordable homes.”
We presented 15 STAR Awards in five categories, each recognizing the success of our transitional and supportive housing residents, community partners, volunteers, and staff. These honorees, selected from over 100 nominations, are the driving force behind our achievements.
Mitch Heckert, Vice President, Employee Benefits Sales Leader at Graham Company, noted, “We are proud to support HELP USA and this event celebrating the power of community to tackle homelessness. Congratulations to the honorees and all you have accomplished.” The Graham Company and Marsh McLennan generously sponsored the soirée.
HELP USA celebrated a record-breaking year in 2023, successfully placing chronically homeless adults in permanent homes and surpassing our goals by an impressive 33%. Our robust homelessness prevention programs proved their effectiveness, keeping individuals out of the shelter system a staggering 95% of the time. And, among many other significant milestones, we proudly unveiled the first phase of HELP ONE in East New York, Brooklyn—brand new, affordable, and supportive apartments designed for young mothers and formerly homeless adults.
In addition to the award ceremony, attendees enjoyed refreshments from Sage & Zest, music from The New School, and the chance to win raffle prizes kindly donated by SENIA New York, Resonance New York, and City Winery.
To continue our success and make a lasting impact, we need your support. Stay updated on our efforts by subscribing to our newsletter and find out how you can be a part of our mission to end homelessness.
Housing Star
These honorees are HELP USA transitional housing or permanent supportive housing residents, current or past, who have moved the needle on their fight against homelessness.
Jahad Arthur
Ruby Bonilla
Jose Torres
Lucy Varela
Cleophus Cooksey
Community Star
Award winners were selected because of their dedication to our cause, committed partnership and outstanding collaboration.
Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club
Sovereign Realty
Blazing Star
Awardees are those who are being recognized for their innovative and inspired leadership, for initiating new projects and programs that improve the lives of those in our care.
Chef Keith & Kids
Lionel Harrington
Advocates for Children
Rising Star
Honorees are staff members who have been part of the team for less than two years, yet their commitment and dedication has been second-to-none. They have made a significant impact on our mission in a short time.
Kimmael Joseph
Kayanna Ross
Evening Star
Recognizing staff members who are consistently positive forces, working behind the scenes to ensure the mission moves forward. These individuals were recognized by their colleagues for their stellar commitment to HELP’s clients and dedication to finding positive outcomes.
Makatar Goudiaby
Quantashia Tinson
Ronnie Silverman
Housing Star
These honorees are HELP USA transitional housing or permanent supportive housing residents, current or past, who have moved the needle on their fight against homelessness.
Jahad Arthur
Ruby Bonilla
Jose Torres
Lucy Varela
Cleophus Cooksey
Community Star
Award winners were selected because of their dedication to our cause, committed partnership and outstanding collaboration.
Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club
Sovereign Realty
Blazing Star
Awardees are those who are being recognized for their innovative and inspired leadership, for initiating new projects and programs that improve the lives of those in our care.
Chef Keith & Kids
Lionel Harrington
Advocates for Children
Rising Star
Honorees are staff members who have been part of the team for less than two years, yet their commitment and dedication has been second-to-none. They have made a significant impact on our mission in a short time.
Kimmael Joseph
Kayanna Ross
Evening Star
Recognizing staff members who are consistently positive forces, working behind the scenes to ensure the mission moves forward. These individuals were recognized by their colleagues for their stellar commitment to HELP’s clients and dedication to finding positive outcomes.