HELP USA Welcomes Gale Sitomer and Yolanda Jimenez to Board of Directors

Appointments reflect the organization’s commitment to healing-centered care, advocacy, and expanded access to supportive services.

HELP USA, the renowned national homeless services provider and affordable housing developer, today announced the election of Gale Sitomer and Yolanda B. Jimenez to its Board of Directors, effective April 2, 2025. With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and public service, both bring deep expertise to HELP USA’s efforts to prevent homelessness and support families with holistic, trauma-informed care.

“Gale and Yolanda bring the kind of perspective, focus, and commitment that make boards stronger,” said Dan Lehman, President and CEO of HELP USA. Their leadership in the nonprofit sector and dedication to supporting families align closely with the values that drive our work.

Sitomer is a committed philanthropist and designer whose advocacy has focused on children and families affected by trauma and abuse. For more than two decades, she has championed the rights of domestic violence survivors through The Michael Bolton Charities, serving on the board for ten years, including two as President, and has led fundraising efforts for organizations such as the Special Olympics, Pediatric AIDS, and United Cerebral Palsy, among others.

“HELP USA’s commitment to families—especially those working to rebuild after trauma—deeply resonates with the causes I care about,” said Gale Sitomer. “I’m honored to join the Board and contribute to the organization’s vital mission.”

Jimenez, most recently Executive Director of the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young people impacted by violence—brings more than 30 years of public service experience in New York City. She previously served as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, where she launched the city’s first Family Justice Centers in all boroughs and helped reduce intimate partner homicides by more than 20 percent. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs at the NYPD, where she developed the department’s Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect (CPR) strategy and led community and youth engagement initiatives.

“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building systems that are responsive to families in crisis,” said Yolanda Jimenez. “Joining the HELP USA Board is a chance to continue that work—ensuring that support, dignity, and opportunity are at the center of every solution.”

Their appointments reflect HELP USA’s commitment to strengthening its leadership with individuals who understand the urgency and complexity of the housing crisis—and who bring compassion, clarity, and action to the communities HELP USA serves every day. As the organization marks 40 years of building better lives, HELP USA is responding to record numbers of people seeking prevention and temporary housing assistance by entering a period of rapid growth. In the face of a crippling housing shortage, HELP USA is expanding both transitional and affordable housing options across New York City to meet the rising need and continue its legacy of innovation and impact.

Learn more about HELP USA and find out how you can be part of the solution at www.helpusa.org.

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