NEW YORK (Nov. 21, 2024) – Enterprise Community Partners honored two longtime advocates working to build a more sustainable housing ecosystem in New York at Enterprise’s annual gala, a celebration of the people and groups championing affordable housing solutions, on November 20. Deborah VanAmerongen, strategic policy adviser and deputy practice group leader of the Affordable Housing and Real Estate Group at Nixon Peabody LLP, and Services for the UnderServed (S:US), a New York housing nonprofit, were both recognized for their contributions, at the event.
“We are excited to honor Deborah VanAmerongen and Services for the UnderServed, who are exemplary members of our affordable housing community,” said Baaba Halm, Senior Vice President, Programs at Enterprise. “Deborah’s peerless policy expertise helps affordable housing developers ensure that more homes can be built and drives legislative change. Services for the UnderServed has been a champion for supportive housing, leading by example in showing how homes that support the whole individual can transform their lives. The leadership and advocacy of Deborah and S:US, along with their tireless day-to-day work, have played a key role in creating more equitable and affordable housing for New Yorkers, which is desperately needed across our state.”
Deborah VanAmerongen was awarded Wednesday with Enterprise’s James W. Rouse Civic Medal of Honor, an honor named for Enterprise’s national founder and recognizing outstanding individuals dedicated to affordable housing solutions. Before joining Nixon Peabody, Deborah served as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and as the Director of Multifamily Housing for the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development for the New York City region. Deborah serves on the Executive Committee of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, the Board of Editors of Affordable Housing Finance magazine, and the board of the Housing Advisory Group in Washington D.C.
“I am honored and humbled to be mentioned in the same sentence as Jim Rouse, a true pioneer in real estate development and urban planning,” said Deborah VanAmerongen. “His work founding Enterprise led directly to the tremendous impact this organization has throughout the country. Affordable housing is a cornerstone of our firm’s work, and I’m proud to work alongside a team that is so devoted to making an impact in communities.”
“Deborah has dedicated her career to the preservation and development of affordable housing across the country,” said Michael J. Goldman, head of Nixon Peabody’s Project Finance, Infrastructure & Real Estate Department, which includes Affordable Housing & Real Estate. “Since joining the firm in 2010, Deborah has been invaluable to helping our attorneys and our clients work with governmental agencies and other transaction participants to close some of the most complex and impactful transactions with integrity and civility. On behalf of our entire team, we congratulate Deborah on this well-deserved honor.”
Services for the UnderServed received Enterprise’s Community Impact Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations making positive change for their communities. S:US is a beacon for thousands of New York City residents through its holistic model, which pairs quality, affordable housing with mental health and social services across the five boroughs -- helping to meet their needs day in and day out. S:US’s approach serves as an example for other affordable and supportive housing organizations in New York and across the country.
“At Services for the UnderServed, we believe that the solution to homelessness is homes. By integrating mental health services, social supports, and quality housing across New York City, our team helps thousands of individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” said Perry Perlmutter, President and CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “Enterprise Community Partners is an essential partner in that effort and has played a crucial role in the development of many of our projects across the city. It is an honor to be recognized tonight with this award, and on behalf of the entire S:US team, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Enterprise and its supporters.”
Enterprise New York’s Annual Gala, held at Pier Sixty in New York City, had 650 attendees from across New York State, representing the affordable housing industry, community-based organizations, affordable housing providers, government partners, Enterprise board members, individual supporters, and banking community development divisions. The event was sponsored by Enterprise Foreman’s Friends sponsors Bank of America and Deutsche Bank.
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About Enterprise Community Partners
Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $72 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging. Join us at enterprisecommunity.org.
About Nixon Peabody LLP
Nixon Peabody LLP is an American Lawyer top-100 law firm in the United States and has 15 offices worldwide. Our firm delivers exceptional service to our clients and our communities by combining high performance, entrepreneurial spirit, deep engagement, and an unwavering commitment to a culture of collaboration, diversity, and humanity. Visit us at www.nixonpeabody.com.
About Services for the UnderServed
S:US envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. S:US has a staff of 1,800 that provides $275 million in services. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Most importantly, S:US' vision allows the organization to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands.