NYC Deputy Mayor and Dept. of Social Services Commissioner among speakers at ribbon cutting event
Sun Life U.S. is a chief investor in HELP USA’s newest women’s shelter in Brooklyn, N.Y., reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that serve populations in need. Located in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn, the 200-bed shelter will provide onsite medical care through a partner provider, mental health assessment, case work, and housing support to help clients find stability and connect them with treatment facilities, family, or long-term shelter. The facility also offers wellness programming, including art therapy and healthy cooking classes.
In addition to the investment through SLC Management, Sun Life’s institutional alternatives asset management business, Sun Life U.S. has donated $25,000 to HELP USA to support the organization’s Healthy Living initiative, which provides healthy cooking classes at the facility.
At the ribbon cutting on Tuesday, HELP USA President and CEO Dan Lehman delivered remarks and welcomed New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Dr. Helen Arteaga, and NYC Dept. of Social Services Commissioner, Erin Dalton, among others, to offer a few words. Remarks emphasized the valuable services HELP USA has provided in Brooklyn and more broadly around the country, and the impact the facility will have for women facing homelessness – many of whom are fleeing domestic violence situations.
“Supporting essential services for underserved populations is central to our strategy of helping people access care and other health services,” said David Healy, president of Sun Life U.S. “By investing in initiatives like this shelter, we’re advancing our commitment to solutions that strengthen communities. With decades of experience running shelters, we know HELP USA will establish a valuable community asset with this new building.”
The investment aligns with Sun Life’s broader strategy to help people access the care and coverage they need. This approach also drives the company’s philanthropic framework, which supports programs and organizations that improve access to care and provide health and wellness services to communities that need it most.
“Our investment in HELP USA’s new shelter reflects Sun Life’s focus on creating meaningful impact in communities facing the greatest challenges,” said Randy Brown, chief investment officer, Sun Life. “This purpose-built facility will help at-risk women find the resources and support they need in a model that promotes resilience and sustainable results.”
Headquartered in New York City, HELP USA operates more than 70 sites and programs throughout the country and has aided more than 550,000 people since its founding 40 years ago. HELP USA’s mission is to fight homelessness at every stage with prevention, emergency shelter, supportive services, and permanent, affordable housing for those in crisis.
“HELP Women’s Center represents an important investment in how we support women entering the New York City shelter system,” said Dan Lehman, president and CEO of HELP USA. “Sun Life’s partnership in this project is the exact kind of shared commitment needed between businesses and nonprofits to create solutions that have lasting impact for the people HELP USA serves.”
SLC Management is the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life, offering solutions across public and private fixed income markets, as well as global real estate equity and debt.
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