NHSNYC Raises $200,000 to benefit first-time homebuyer program & more

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City

Raises Over $200,000 at its Bridging the Gap Gala

Annual Gala Highlights Achievements and

Importance of Preserving Affordable Permanent Housing

New York, NY ~ October 23 2023 - The Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. (NHSNYC) hosted its Bridging the Gap Gala at the Tribeca Rooftop on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The Gala is the organization’s signature fundraiser and this year raised over $200,000. All net proceeds will support NYSNYC’s first-time homebuyer, lending, and foreclosure prevention programs.

Derrick Griggs, NHSNYC’s Chief Executive Officer, presented the Community Impact Award to Patricia Swann, Program Director, Thriving Communities, New York Community Trust, for her long-term commitment to stabilizing communities, and the Partnership Award to Reinaldo Perez, Vice President, NY Region CRA Officer, Office of Corporate Affairs, New York Community Bank, for his partnership, commitment to building relationships, and commitment to stabilizing communities in NYC.

Since 1982, Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City has worked in partnership with the private sector, government agencies, residents, and businesses, to offer a wide range of services based on the needs of each individual community. These services range from financial and homeownership education, and loan origination to mortgage facilitation to support the attainment and sustainability of homeownership for underserved New Yorkers. NHSNYC is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and is certified through the NeighborWorks America Network.

Guests heard a warm message from Beatriz Rios, a salesperson with Coldwell Banker American Homes. Rios worked closely with NHSNYC’s homeownership department to help her clients purchase a home with the help of a grant through the HomeFirst downpayment closing costs assistance program. Rios spoke about how welcoming the staff were and how they truly helped her client obtain the American Dream.

NHSNYC advocates for and specializes in working with low- to moderate-income families who want to establish roots in their communities and buy a home. NHSNYC takes clients through the entire homeownership process, from pre- to post-purchase, and provides services that help clients maintain their homes. In addition, NHSNYC works with foundations, banks, lending institutions, and government officials to create the circumstances that support the families they serve.

A highlight of the night was a panel discussion moderated by Mike Woods, Weather Anchor, Fox Good Day NY. Following the event’s theme, the discussion focused on the significance of creating and maintaining partnerships between the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to benefit families in need. The panel focused on how these sectors have creatively worked together to provide safe, permanent, affordable housing opportunities to families and individuals in under-resourced neighborhoods. Also, the panel discussed the need and impact of cultural sensitivity in working towards building generational wealth and addressing the wealth gap.

Griggs participated on the panel along with industry influencers; Sherry Wang, Co-Head of Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group; Otis Rolley, President of Wells Fargo Foundation and Head of Philanthropy & Community Impact of Wells Fargo Bank; and Adolfo Carrion, Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Housing, Preservation & Development.

“Having partners in the room that understand what it takes to help low- to moderate-income families build wealth is a critical strategy to finding solutions in today’s economic environment. Innovation and creativity are key to truly addressing the work that we do at NHSNYC,” states Griggs.

Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and New York Community Bank served as the event’s Diamond Sponsors.

For more information, please contact Nedra Campbell, Director of Programs & Operations, at nedra_campbell@nhsnyc.org or (212) 519 –2503.

Photo captions:

Photo 1: Panelists identify and discuss strategies they have pursued to help the low- to moderate-income community obtain homes and build wealth. Left to right - Mike Woods, Derrick Griggs, CEO, NHSNYC, Sherry Wang, Co-Head of Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group; Otis Rolley, President of Wells Fargo Foundation and Head of Philanthropy & Community Impact of Wells Fargo Bank; and Adolfo Carrion, Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Housing, Preservation & Development.

Photo 2: Patricia Primo, Director of Homeownership, NHSNYC, presents flowers to Beatriz Rios (center) as thanks for sharing her experience working with NHSNYC that resulted in her client gaining homeownership. Derrick Griggs (right) assisting.