Categories: New York State
09.28.2026
On September 24th, the Network’s Executive Director Pascale Leone was honored at Homeless and Travelers Aid Society’s (HATAS) Sunflower Breakfast as one of the 2026 Champions in Compassion. Other honorees included Cannon Heyman & Weiss, Broadview Federal Credit Union, Sheriff Craig Apple and the Sheriff’s Homeless Improvement Program, and KeyBank’s Tamika Otis.
Network Executive Director Pascale Leone remarked, “One unforeseen tragedy can change the trajectory of an entire life — including the life of a little seven-year-old girl who ran out of a burning house in tap shoes, an undershirt, and her school uniform skirt. Looking back I really wish I had grabbed more.. at least my barbie dolls. But I was incredibly fortunate. There was a family standing on the other side of that tragedy saying, “Come in.” And in so many ways, that is what HATAS does every day. HATAS meets people at moments they never imagined they would experience and says: You don’t have to navigate this alone. And HATAS has never been afraid to evolve as the work has evolved. From Coordinated Entry. Rapid Rehousing. Supportive housing. HATAS was among the earliest adopters of Shelter Plus Care, helping demonstrate what permanent supportive housing could mean for people who had experienced homelessness.”
Pascale’s final remarks included a thank you to Liz Hitt, Executive Director at Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS) for the recognition, partnership and for reminding us all of what compassion looks like when we put it into action.