NEW YORK, NY (June 4, 2026) — On Wednesday, June 3, HELP USA brought together leaders from across the housing, healthcare, philanthropy, business, government, and nonprofit sectors for HELP Heroes Night 2026, recognizing five individuals whose work has helped expand housing access, prevent homelessness, and strengthen communities.
Held at Tribeca 360 in Lower Manhattan, the event brought together nearly 300 guests in support of HELP USA’s work serving more than 35,000 individuals and families each year through housing, shelter, homelessness prevention, and supportive services programs.
The evening recognized five leaders whose work has strengthened communities and expanded access to housing, healthcare, and critical support services:
- Debbie Burkart, Managing Director of Supportive Housing, National Equity Fund
- Baaba Halm, Senior Vice President of Programs, Enterprise Community Partners
- Robert M. Hayes, President and CEO, Community Healthcare Network
- David Healy, President, Sun Life U.S.
- Khreme Tony Laud, Executive Director, WestHELP at HELP USA
Awards were presented by:
- Pascale Leone, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York
- Gloribel Cruz, Vice President at TD Bank, N.A.; Maria Cuomo Cole, Chair Emeritus of HELP USA
- Dr. Helen Arteaga Landaverde, New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
- Thomas C. Ridges, Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations in the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.
“Tonight’s honorees remind us that real progress is possible. Every day, families move from shelter to stable housing, households avoid homelessness through prevention services, and communities come together to expand access to the housing and support people need to thrive,” said Dan Lehman, President and CEO of HELP USA.
Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the partnerships, investments, and innovations that make housing stability possible, from affordable and supportive housing development to healthcare access, homelessness prevention, and on-site services that help individuals and families maintain long-term stability.
“Today, I’m proud to report that there are nearly 1,000 households participating in Home 4 Good, and more than $4 million in rental arrears have been recouped through the program. None of that would have been possible without HELP USA,” said Baaba Halm.
Debbie Burkart reflected on HELP USA’s leadership in developing housing for veterans and the broader impact that work has had nationwide, saying, “HELP USA’s leadership significantly contributed to an awe-inspiring 55% reduction from 2009 to 2025 in veteran homelessness compared to a 21% rise in general homelessness.”
Reflecting on Sun Life’s investment in HELP Women’s Center, David Healy said, “Working with HELP USA has shown us that addressing homelessness needs support from both individuals and the business community.”
Khreme Tony Laud spoke about the impact of helping families secure permanent housing: “When they leave our shelter with keys in hand for permanent housing, they leave with their dignity and a sense of purpose.”
Robert M. Hayes praised HELP USA’s long-standing work addressing homelessness, saying, “The leadership over these decades has been amazing, and it’s needed now more than ever.”
Proceeds from HELP Heroes Night support HELP USA’s housing, homelessness prevention, shelter, supportive housing, employment, and supportive services programs.
About HELP USA
For 40 years, HELP USA has worked to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. Serving nearly 600,000 individuals and families since its founding in 1986, the organization has provided shelter for people in crisis, built affordable housing, and strengthened communities through prevention and supportive services. Today, HELP USA addresses the root causes of homelessness at more than 70 sites across New York City and the country.
