Press Coverage

“Closing the Gap to Homeownership” the Focus of the NYC Housing Partnership’s October 22nd Gala Luncheon Celebration Drawing Leaders in Multifamily Affordable Housing

Multifamily Press

September 9, 2025

Multifamily developers, affordable housing advocates, financial industry leaders, public officials and others committed to the mission of expanding access to affordable housing in New York, will gather at the NYC Housing Partnership’s Gala luncheon in Manhattan on Wednesday, October 22nd.

The theme of the Gala fund raiser, “Putting Dreams Within Reach: Closing the Gap to Homeownership, supports our Homeownership Counseling and Education Program for first time homebuyers,” said Jamie A. Smarr, President and CEO of the Housing Partnership.

The October 22 event also celebrates the 42nd anniversary of the launch of the non-profit Housing Partnership.

Airbnb and MADDD Equities LLC and Joy Construction are Platinum Sponsors of the Gala fundraiser, the highest sponsorship level.

The Special Guest Speaker at the Gala is Errol Louis, the National Political Anchor of NY-1 News, where he hosts Inside City Hall, a nightly prime-time show covering New York City politics. Lewis is a longtime CNN contributor and writes a weekly column for New York Magazine.

“Errol’s voice has long shaped the civic dialogue in New York City. We are excited to have him share his timely insights at our Gala luncheon weeks before the Mayoral election,” said Mr. Smarr.

The NYC Housing Partnership’s October 22 Gala luncheon will be held at Gotham Hall at 1365 Broadway at West 36th Street in Manhattan. More information is available at housingpartnership.com/events/anniversary-luncheon-2025.

“The Housing Partnership has helped more than 35,000 New York City families achieve first time homeownership since 1983, generating significant wealth creation potential while strengthening the economic and social fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Mr. Smarr.

The Housing Partnership’s Housing Counseling Program achieved significant milestones in helping New Yorkers navigate the homebuying process. Last year alone it provided homebuyer education to 1,411 households, while 781 households received pre-purchase counseling, leading to 450 successful home purchases. Additionally, New Yorkers benefited from $3.1 million in down payment and closing cost assistance, made possible through partnerships with city, state, and private programs.

“With 57% of our program participants falling below 80% of HUD’s Statewide Median Income, it’s clear that our services are essential in bridging the gap between housing affordability and accessibility. We are expanding our Housing Counseling program so more New Yorkers have the knowledge and resources to become confident homeowners,” said Mr. Smarr.

For more than four decades the nonprofit Housing Partnership has led relationships among private sector developers and financial institutions and City, State and Federal agencies that created and preserved more than 88,000 low and moderate-income housing units in the five boroughs, leveraging over $11.1 billion in private financing and utilizing more than $540 million in subsidies for affordable housing where people can live in safe, comfortable, affordable homes.