NHSNYC’s Bridging the Gap Gala

On behalf of the entire Staff and Board of Directors of NHSNYC, we sincerely thank all of our Bridging the Gap Supporters, Donors, and Guests who participated in our Bridging the Gap Gala on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the beautiful Tribeca Rooftop.

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.

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.

The 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.