Categories: Network Events
11.01.2024
On October 28th, the Network hosted its 2024 Annual Awards Gala. Members and partners across the entire supportive housing sector joined to celebrate our incredible community, to honor two Outstanding Tenants of the Year – Maria del Consuelo Rodriguez and Sean Butterfield -- and, last but not least, to network.
Network Board Chair Brenda Rosen kicked off the program welcoming everyone and shining a light on the recent wins within our community, “In a moment of great uncertainty and unrest, this organization’s reliable presence and its unwavering commitment to advocating on behalf of our community is more important than ever before.” She then gave a warm welcome to the Network’s Executive Director, Pascale Leone.
Pascale thanked sponsors, the Network’s fundraising committee, Network staff and Board Members and the supportive housing community, and for making the night possible with a record of nearly 700 registrants, saying “I see a powerful cross-section of our city and state in this room – human services sector, tenants and impacted advocates, developers, syndicators, commissioners, state and city agencies, legislators, the private sector, and so much more. It affirms that our mission to end homelessness is multicultural, multisectoral, and centers around the core belief that homelessness is a solvable problem. And it starts with the people right here.” Pascale also asked for a moment of silence to acknowledge the loss of former Outstanding Tenant of the Year Honoree, Maliq Edwards. See Maliq’s video here.
Pascale then awarded the evening’s honorees, two Outstanding Tenants of the Year: Maria and Sean.
At New Destiny Housing, Maria is an advocate for domestic violence survivors and is described as “a person of immense strength.” She is known for sharing her story with others and helping women “reveal and rediscover their own beauty.” Learn more about Maria and watch her video here.
At United Veterans Beacon House, Sean is known for his personal growth, advocacy for supportive housing, and dedication to his family. Learn more about Sean and watch his video here.
Throughout most of the evening, we projected a slideshow showcasing Network events, supportive housing events, new supportive housing residence groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, and nominated tenants of the year. See the slideshow here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, our fundraising committee and our sponsors, who made the event a success. View the gala journal here. View photos from the event here.