On the evening of October 22, Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County hosted its annual signature fundraiser, the 2024 Habitat House Party, at the iconic Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan. 

Hosted by award-winning media personality, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Angela Yee, the 2024 Habitat House Party, honored housing justice champions including Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), Ron D. Franklin (Proskauer), Cesarina Fabián (Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic), and Wells Fargo. Proceeds from the gala raised nearly $900,000 to advance Habitat NYC and Westchester’s mission to create and preserve permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for working-class New Yorkers. 

 Angela Yee highlighted the alignment between Habitat’s mission and her passion for housing justice. “Affordable housing provides crucial opportunities for people who have historically been shut out of homeownership to build equity, wealth, and legacy. I’m grateful to be able to leverage my voice and resources, here tonight at Habitat NYC and Westchester’s momentous celebration and in my own real estate investments, to drive change within the housing landscape. Our neighbors are being pushed out and we have a collective responsibility to stem the tide of the housing crisis and preserve our communities.” 

 This year’s Habitat House Party theme, 40 Years of Foundations for the Future, highlights the organization’s four decades of laying foundations—pouring concrete for the structural stability of Habitat homes, and forging opportunities for the generational stability of our communities. Habitat NYC and Westchester CEO, Sabrina Lippman, cast [a] vision for a future in which all New Yorkers can build equity through permanently affordable homeownership. “To preserve the rich cultural tapestry unique to our neighborhoods, villages, and boroughs, we must unite in a broader coalition across all sectors. Collectively, we will see household-by-household achieve housing security and stability by accessing homeownership with enduring affordability that fortifies our communities for generations to come.” 

 “Housing is key to the stability and health of our communities, and it is crucial that we work together to advance housing solutions for all New Yorkers,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I’m grateful to be a 2024 Habitat House Party Honoree in recognition of the Council’s strong commitment to providing homes and expanding homeownership opportunities in this city. For four decades, Habitat NYC and Westchester has endeavored to build and deliver homes for residents across the region to ensure our neighbors are housed. I look forward to our continued partnership to build on the progress we have achieved together and advance housing justice for all.” 

Ron D. Franklin, a partner at Proskauer Rose LLP, was honored for his unwavering support and thoughtful leadership as a Habitat NYC and Westchester board member. “I believe that having a home and having that security—a place where you know you’re safe—is critical,” said Ron. “How can you build a life, access education, healthcare, and all the potential opportunities to advance and flourish if you don’t have that vital element of security and safety, the reassurance of a home?”

 Cesarina Fabián, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic, was honored for her stewardship of the valuable partnership