NYC Housing Leaders Join Volunteers of America-Greater New York for Art Exhibit Featuring Work by Formerly Homeless New Yorkers
NEW YORK, NY (April 15, 2026) – On Tuesday, April 14, Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) hosted an event to highlight Journeys, an art exhibit featuring original artwork by 12 New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness and are now living at Richard F. Salyer House, a permanent supportive housing residence in Washington Heights. VOA-GNY and the artists were joined by leading New York City housing officials including Department of Social Services Commissioner Erin Dalton and Housing Preservation & Development First Deputy Commissioner Adam Phillips. Several of the artists shared their stories.
The works featured in Journeys reflect the artists’ experiences with movement, change, and personal transformation. While their paths are different, the artists in this exhibition share a common turning point: securing stable housing after periods of homelessness. Together, their art demonstrates the power of housing stability in creating a space that allows residents to pursue their passions and let their creativity thrive.
At the celebration, artists shared their work and spoke about their artistic practice and how attaining stable housing made it possible to explore their creativity.
“The art displayed in Journeys at Salyer House is a testament to the transformative power of stable housing in providing an environment for individuals to shift out of survival mode and live their lives fully and authentically,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ginsburg, President & CEO of VOA-GNY. “We are incredibly proud to showcase the work of our residents, and look forward to continuing to partner with the City of New York to expand access to supportive housing for our neighbors in need.”
“I was thrilled to be able to attend the opening of this exhibit that showcases the talent, heart and resilience of the residents of Salyer House and the community that that has been built there,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “Every New Yorker deserves the independence, stability, and community that comes with a home to call your own and this administration is deeply focused on creating more pathways to housing for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. We are proud to work with dedicated partners like VOA to advance these efforts and support New Yorkers in need.”
“Places like Salyer House remind us of what it means for families and individuals to have safe, stable housing,” said Housing Preservation and Development First Deputy Commissioner Adam Phillips. “When people are not constantly worried about rising rents or eviction and they can lead more fulfilling lives. We’re thrilled to be able to work with organizations like Volunteers of America-Greater New York to make it a reality.”
Richard F. Salyer House provides 146 units of affordable housing to low-income families and single adults. Residents also have access to comprehensive, wrap-around support services to help address barriers to stability, including physical and mental health services, assistance with employment, and financial education.
To learn more about Richard F. Salyer House and VOA-GNY’s supportive housing offerings, please visit: https://www.voa-gny.org/service/permanent-supportive-housing/
About Volunteers of America-Greater New York
Volunteers of America–Greater New York (VOA-GNY) is an anti-poverty organization with a 130-year history of serving neighbors in need. Its vision is fueled by its role as a leading provider of services to families and individuals experiencing homelessness across the Greater New York area. Through more than 70 programs in New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester County—including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing—VOA-GNY serves over 35,000 adults and children each year. It is also the largest provider of residential services for veterans within a coalition that has virtually ended chronic veteran homelessness in New York City. For more information, visit www.voa-gny.org.
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