Jericho Project's Gala Celebrates Progress Toward Ending Homelessness in NYC

Jericho Project's Annual Gala: A Night of Hope and Community

On May 5th, 2025, the Jericho Project hosted its annual Gala titled "Celebrate! 2025: Building Foundations, Strengthening Families" at a prestigious venue in New York City. This year’s event brought together 350 supporters who share a dedicated passion for addressing the homelessness crisis in the city.

The charity gala raised an impressive total of over $700,000, which will directly support Jericho Project's ongoing work in providing stable housing and essential services to 3,000 individuals, families, veterans, and young adults each year. The event was emceed by NBC-4 New York Anchor Natalie Pasquarella, who has lent her voice to the celebration for three consecutive years.

Honoring Contributions and Partnerships

The success of the Gala can largely be attributed to Jericho Project's key partnerships in the corporate sector. The Hudson Companies and Broadway Builders were honored with the Corporate Spotlight Award for their extraordinary contributions to the building of supportive and affordable housing across New York. Moreover, long-time advocates Chrissy Armstrong and Ben Nickoll received the President's Award, recognizing their significant involvement in Jericho’s mission over the past three decades.

"Jericho is enormously proud to have principled and compassionate leaders at our side as we continue to ensure that more New Yorkers can live and thrive in the city that we love," stated Tori Lyon, the CEO of Jericho. "We are grateful to The Hudson Companies, Broadway Builders, and Chrissy Armstrong and Ben Nickoll for their immeasurable roles in bringing together our community in such a positive and hopeful way."

Michael J. Reed, President of the Jericho Board, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in furthering the mission to end homelessness. He highlighted how Jericho has consistently worked within cost-effective frameworks to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Expanding Housing Solutions

In conjunction with the Gala, Jericho announced ambitious plans to improve housing accessibility within the community. Over the next five years, the organization aims to create or sustain more than 3,000 units of affordable housing, of which nearly 1,000 will be designated as supportive housing. This commitment aligns with New York City's annual housing goals and represents a significant stride toward addressing the shelter crisis. Currently, Jericho operates 647 units of supportive housing across seven residences, providing clients with their own lease and key at an affordable rate.

The gala's corporate support came from notable sponsors, including Morgan Stanley, Lamb Insurance, RoeCo, and Barclays. Individual sponsorship was supported by community members including Joel Cohen and Karyn Zieve, along with several others who recognize the profound impact of Jericho's mission.

The Impact of Jericho Project

Jericho Project has been a leader in the fight against homelessness for 42 years, focusing on providing housing and person-centered services to those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. With a rigorous fiscal approach and a model that embraces collaboration with public-private partners, Jericho addresses the societal inequities that perpetuate homelessness. Funding housing and extended services at $18,000 per person annually is a stark contrast to other alternatives—such as $50,000 for a shelter bed or $1,000+ per day for hospital care.

The importance of community support and individual contributions cannot be overstated, as they ensure that Jericho can continue its mission of empowering lives and providing lasting stability for those in need. For anyone looking to contribute further to this noble cause, additional information can be found at jerichoproject.org.

Looking Ahead

As Jericho Project continues to forge pathways toward ending homelessness in New York City, initiatives like the Gala serve as a reminder of the collective power of community engagement. Through shared responsibility, dedication, and hope, a brighter future for all New Yorkers can be achieved.

For more updates and stories on ongoing efforts, follow Jericho Project on social media.