Categories:
07.28.2025
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, the Supportive Housing Network of New York announces with deep gratitude that Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Stuart has moved on from the organization.
Cynthia began her journey at the Network as Director of Communications and ever since has played a pivotal role in expanding both the organization’s reach and the footprint of supportive housing across New York City and State. Her tireless dedication, deep passion, and unwavering commitment to the Network, its members and tenants helped shape the organization and supportive housing stock into what it is today.
“For almost two decades, Cynthia has been a true force for good in the supportive housing community. She’s brought heart and fierce dedication to everything she’s done—whether advocating for better policies, skillfully using data to tell the story of supportive housing, or lending a hand to a member whenever asked,” said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer, Community Access and Network Board Member, “Her work with the Network has made our community stronger, smarter, and more effective. I will miss her presence and her spirit, but her impact will live on in the homes built, the policies shaped, and the lives changed because of her work.”
Cynthia was instrumental in redefining how supportive housing is communicated and understood. Her strategic messaging and advocacy played a key role in major policy wins—including the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing coalition, which helped secure the City’s historic 2015 commitment to create 15,000 units of supportive housing over 15 years, as well as the State’s parallel pledge to fund 20,000 additional units.
She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to counter NIMBYism, helping secure community support for new developments across the city. Her work in supporting the siting of countless residences helped create homes that now offer safety and stability to thousands of formerly homeless New Yorkers.
Cynthia never hesitated when members needed support, as proven when she converted her own apartment into a PPE distribution hub for the supportive housing community during the COVID-19 pandemic—just one example of her deep commitment to our community and her “no task too small” attitude.
“Cynthia has been a tireless cheerleader for the supportive housing community and a central part of the movement’s wins. A true utility player, she’s done it all: championing better policies, helping to stand up our successful events, and rolling up her sleeves to help members in any way she could,” said Pascale Leone, Network Executive Director. “Cynthia’s passion and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the Network and the community at large. She leaves not just a legacy of achievements, but a model of grit, generosity and unwavering belief in the transformative power of supportive housing.”
Cynthia also helped grow the Network itself—consistently fundraising and building out events such as the gala, annual meeting, and our Conference, now the largest supportive housing convening in the country.
We are profoundly thankful for Cynthia’s leadership and her years of unwavering support for our mission. Her contributions will continue to uplift the Network, our members, and communities across New York long into the future.
"Thank you, Cynthia, for all you have done for the Supportive Housing Network of New York. You have put your heart and soul into this work and have been an essential part of our successes,” said Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern Housing and Board Secretary of the Network, “Your dedication will live on, continuing to help people for many years to come."
Cynthia’s last day at the Network was July 25th.