David Healy Recognized As HELP Hero for Community Investment Efforts

Sun Life's David Healy Awarded HELP Hero by HELP USA

This week, David Healy, the president of Sun Life U.S., was honored with the prestigious HELP Hero award during HELP USA's annual gala. The organization operates numerous programs across the country dedicated to providing essential support for homeless individuals and families. This recognition celebrates Healy’s commitment to enhancing health access through community investments.

At the gala, Healy was acknowledged for his instrumental role in advancing initiatives at Sun Life that aim to improve health access for underserved communities. His dedication to social responsibility and community engagement is evident through the recent $90 million investment co-led by Sun Life U.S. in the new HELP Women's Center located in Brooklyn, New York. This facility serves as a vital resource for women experiencing homelessness, offering a safe haven along with comprehensive support services.

A Transformative Investment

The HELP Women's Center, which can accommodate 200 women, operates under a trauma-informed care model that prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The center not only provides shelter but also onsite medical care, mental health assessments, casework, and housing support. The strategic investment made by Sun Life U.S. aims to foster a holistic approach to addressing homelessness, underscoring the belief that every person deserves access to health and housing.

Healy stated, "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of Sun Life. Our commitment to community-based initiatives is unwavering, and we continuously seek opportunities to broaden access to healthcare and supportive services, especially in areas that are often overlooked. Our involvement in the HELP Women's Center is a testament to our pledge to effectuate meaningful change."

In addition to the financial investment, Sun Life has also contributed $25,000 to facilitate healthy cooking classes for the residents of the shelter. This initiative is designed to promote wellness and provide crucial life skills that foster independence among the women seeking refuge at the center.

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts

The award highlights the effective partnerships between corporate entities and non-profit organizations in generating lasting solutions for homelessness. HELP USA’s president and CEO, Dan Lehman, emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts, saying, "David's recognition as a HELP Hero exemplifies the transformative partnerships that drive real impact. Sun Life's dedication to investing in our initiatives demonstrates the potential of strategic commitment in reshaping how services are provided to those in need."

The HELP Hero award is a distinguished recognition celebrating individuals who have made significant strides in combating homelessness. Winners are selected based on their impactful contributions and innovative solutions to improve the lives of people experiencing housing instability.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is an internationally recognized financial services organization that provides a range of solutions, including asset management, wealth creation, insurance, and health-related services. Serving clients globally, Sun Life maintains a strong presence in various markets, including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and more. With over C$1.58 trillion in assets under management as of March 2026, Sun Life is dedicated to crafting strategies that foster community well-being. Additionally, Sun Life U.S. is recognized as one of the leading providers of employee and governmental benefits, offering comprehensive coverage to approximately 48 million Americans.

About HELP USA

Founded in 1986, HELP USA has tirelessly worked to ensure that every individual has access to a place they can call home. The organization addresses the root causes of homelessness through its extensive network of over 70 sites, providing shelter and supportive services to nearly 600,000 individuals and families. Its mission is to create sustainable solutions for those in crisis, making a substantial impact on the communities they serve.

This recognition of David Healy and Sun Life U.S. is not just an acknowledgment of their past efforts but a call to action for continued investment and engagement in community health initiatives. As they pave the way for future developments, the hope is to inspire other organizations to consider how they can contribute to addressing homelessness and health disparities.