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About Us

A New Chapter in Ending Homelessness

It is a new era for HSNY.

One defined by growth, innovation, and unwavering resolve.

One fueled by the strength of a staff whose compassion and expertise change lives every single day.

One powered by a community of partners, donors, and supporters who believe in our mission as deeply as we do.

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Our History

Housing Solutions of New York was founded more than 20 years ago on a simple belief: every New Yorker deserves dignity, safety, and a place to call home. What began as a small effort to support neighbors in crisis has grown into a citywide nonprofit providing housing stability and supportive services across all five boroughs.

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Board

HSNY’s Board of directors offers strong governance and strategic guidance to advance housing stability and effective homelessness solutions across NYC.

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Isaiah Harris

Isaiah Harris serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the New York City Housing Development Corporation, bringing strong leadership experience and a deep understanding of affordable housing and public sector operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Isaiah’s professional expertise spans leadership advisory, strategic planning, and internal consulting.

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Marilyn Sola Tavarez
(Interim Board Chair)

Marilyn Sola Tavarez is an experienced educator and administrator with a background in Business Administration from Iona College and more than ten years of leadership in youth development and community-focused programs. As Director of Saint Anselm's School Extended Care Program, Marilyn oversaw program operations, staff development, and policy implementation. She also served as a Lead Guide for the Bronx Children’s Museum, where she introduced children to STEAM learning through hands-on, creative activities that encouraged curiosity and confidence. She currently works as a Senior Motor Vehicle License Examiner for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, where she supports regulatory compliance and efficient customer service. Her attention to detail and dedication to public service guide her work in every role. Marilyn is passionate about creating opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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Joshua Crespo

Joshua Diaz Crespo is a civically engaged professional with a Master of Urban Planning, Housing, and Economic Development from New York University and extensive experience in government, nonprofit, and community development. He currently serves as a Regulatory Affairs Project Specialist at Con Edison, where he manages special initiatives, works closely with state agencies, and represents the company in regional and community affairs. Joshua has held key roles across multiple levels of government, strengthening his understanding of public policy, community engagement, and urban planning. At the Mayor's Office of Appointments, he supported the administration’s boards and commissions, and as Deputy Chief of Staff in the New York State Assembly, he helped advance community priorities and represented the Assemblymember at public meetings and civic events. With a strong foundation in business administration and a deep commitment to public service, Joshua brings a collaborative, equity-focused approach to every role.

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Rosita Marinez

Rosita Marinez is an experienced executive leader with more than two decades of expertise in operations management, fiscal oversight, project management, program development, and organizational leadership. Her career has been dedicated to advancing services in mental health, substance use disorder treatment, HIV/AIDS support, and housing for vulnerable populations. Rosita serves as the Senior Vice President of Supported Housing at the Institute for Community Living (ICL), where she oversees the nation’s largest Office of Mental Health (OMH) supported housing portfolio. She manages 1,700 supported apartment units, including Treatment Apartment Programs and permanent scattered-site residences for individuals living with severe mental illness. Her leadership ensures that thousands of New Yorkers have access to safe housing, comprehensive support, and opportunities for long-term stability.

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Nicole Connell-Clarke

Nicole Connell Clarke brings more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry, where she has built a distinguished career grounded in strategic leadership, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to strengthening communities. Throughout her career, Nicole has held senior roles that reflect her ability to drive growth, manage risk, and advance innovation across financial services. Nicole has led major operational initiatives, guided complex projects, and improved customer and team experiences through thoughtful planning and strong financial analysis. Her expertise spans strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and organizational efficiency, making her a trusted advisor in both corporate and nonprofit settings. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nicole is dedicated to service and community impact. She has volunteered with numerous charitable organizations and believes strongly in using her skills to support mission-driven work. She is passionate about collaboration and is committed to advancing the long-term sustainability, equity, and success of organizations that serve New Yorkers.

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Minelly De Coo

Minelly De Coo is an infrastructure leader with more than 15 years of experience delivering complex, high-impact projects across federal, state, and local government, as well as the private sector. Her work sits at the intersection of engineering, policy, and implementation, with a strong focus on improving systems and strengthening communities. Minelly most recently served as Special Assistant to the President for Infrastructure Implementation at the Biden-Harris White House, where she collaborated with federal agencies and external partners to advance the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Prior to her federal role, she served as Deputy Director of Infrastructure for New York Governor Kathy Hochul and as Director of Capital Projects in the NYC Mayor’s Office, overseeing the delivery of multi-stakeholder initiatives that shaped the city’s built environment. She began her career in engineering consulting, contributing to transit, bridge, and facility development projects, which provided her with a solid foundation in technical execution and cross-sector coordination. Minelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from NYU Tandon School of Engineering and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University.

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Shams DaBaron

Shams, widely known as “Da Homeless Hero,” is a respected advocate and community leader whose lived experience in New York City’s homeless system informs his relentless commitment to housing justice. Having entered homelessness at the age of 10 and later raising his son in the family shelter system, Shams understands the challenges and inequities faced by vulnerable New Yorkers on a deeply personal level. He emerged as a prominent voice during the public debate surrounding the Lucerne Hotel, a temporary shelter established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through direct engagement with residents, elected officials, city agencies, and community leaders, Shams helped shape conversations about dignity, safety, and the policy changes needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Shams is known for his ability to bridge perspectives, elevate the voices of those directly impacted, and hold systems accountable. Whether meeting with policymakers, addressing faith communities, or advocating alongside shelter residents, he brings clarity, courage, and firsthand insight to every table where decisions about homelessness are made.

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HSNY Leadership Team

HSNY’s Leadership Team drives our supportive programs and wraparound services, helping New Yorkers achieve long-term housing stability.

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Seth Muraskin

CEO

Seth brings a diverse and dynamic background to his leadership at HSNY, shaped by extensive experience across human resources, administration, law, education, and organizational management. Prior to joining HSNY, Seth served as Director of Human Resources and later Chief Administrative Officer at Children’s Community Services, where he supported large-scale operations and staff development within a mission-driven environment. Seth has also held roles including Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration and other leadership positions at a multinational health care company. His experience includes serving as Director of Human Resources and Chief of Staff at a national food manufacturer, where he also managed a family office and guided organizational priorities at both strategic and operational levels. Seth also has a legal background, which includes managing his own firm and serving as a prosecutor. Earlier in his career, he worked as a special education teacher, a role that continues to shape his commitment to empathy, equity, and putting people first. Seth’s multifaceted experience informs his commitment to strengthening HSNY’s ability to serve New Yorkers with dignity, stability, and comprehensive support.

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Jerry Hyppolite

Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs

Jerry Hyppolite, a strategic leader and relationship builder, brings more than 20 years of experience in government, nonprofit leadership, and community development, with a strong record of turning complex challenges into clear and actionable solutions. A proud New Yorker with deep roots in public service, Jerry has dedicated his career to bridging policy and practice. His work ensures that strategic priorities are thoughtfully designed and effectively executed. He has led initiatives across city, state, and federal levels, cultivated partnerships with elected officials and community stakeholders, and advanced programs that expand housing access and address homelessness. In his role as Chief of Staff, Jerry works closely with the CEO and leadership team to align operations, strengthen governance, and drive cross departmental initiatives that support HSNY’s mission. He believes in building systems that empower staff, promote transparency, and encourage collaboration because strong teams create stronger outcomes. As Head of Government Affairs, Jerry leads advocacy efforts that connect HSNY’s work to the broader policy landscape, ensuring the organization’s voice influences decisions that shape housing and social services across New York. He lives by the principle “Strategy without execution is just conversation,” and brings that mindset to every aspect of his work, from facilitating board meetings to negotiating with government partners. Outside of work, Jerry remains active in his community, serves on alumni boards, and mentors emerging leaders in public service.

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Cuyler Washington 

Controller

Cuyler is a CPA with a B.S. in Accounting from Hampton University and brings strong expertise in internal controls, financial reporting, and organizational process improvement. His work includes strengthening internal controls, producing ad hoc reports, leading and motivating teams to achieve goals under tight deadlines, conducting needs assessments, implementing process improvements, and introducing electronic reporting systems that improve operational efficiency. Prior to joining HSNY, Cuyler served as a Director at The Siegfried Group, where he was responsible for financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, internal auditing, and supporting acquisition and divestiture activities. He also led special project implementations that enhanced financial accuracy and organizational performance. Cuyler’s experience and commitment to effective financial stewardship support HSNY’s ability to operate with transparency, accountability, and strong fiscal oversight.

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Nadia Masters

VP of Budgets and Grants

Nadia Masters, serves as HSNY’s primary point of contact for all funders regarding budgets and financial reporting. With more than 16 years of nonprofit experience, Nadia brings deep expertise in grants management and a comprehensive understanding of budget development and oversight. Her skills include budget negotiation, creation, modification, and reporting, as well as the ability to manage complex financial requirements across multiple funding streams. Nadia’s analytical approach and attention to detail ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong financial stewardship for HSNY’s programs. Nadia holds a BS from Fordham University and an MBA from Syracuse University with a focus on finance and analytics.

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Joseph Pinzon

Director of Information Technology

Joseph Pinzon is an experienced IT professional with more than 20 years in the field, specializing in Microsoft server systems, network infrastructure, and virtualization. As the Director of IT at Housing Solutions of New York, Joseph oversees a 750-device network across 25 sites and leads major technology initiatives, including the development of a virtual environment and the creation of a comprehensive SOP repository. Prior to joining HSNY, Joseph held key IT leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. At Argus Community, he successfully merged two company networks, implemented redundant site connections, and virtualized physical systems. During his tenure at Hudson Guild, he consolidated multiple disparate networks and facilitated the relocation of network services. Joseph’s broad technical expertise and strategic approach ensure that HSNY staff can effectively connect, collaborate, and serve clients across the organization’s sites. His work strengthens HSNY’s digital infrastructure and supports the reliable delivery of services to New Yorkers.

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Camisha Worthy

VP of Human Resources

Camisha Worthy oversees all aspects of people operations for more than 500 employees across the organization. With over eight years of progressive HR experience, she brings strategic vision, operational strength, and a deep commitment to cultivating a workplace where staff feel supported, valued, and equipped to grow. Camisha holds an MBA in Human Resources Management, completed executive education in Strategic Human Resources Leadership at Cornell University, and is a certified HR Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Camisha is driven by a mission to shift nonprofit HR from paperwork to people power. She believes that when organizations invest in their workforce, they transform not only internal culture but also the quality of service delivered to the community. Under her leadership, HSNY has implemented agency wide leadership development programs, strengthened recruitment and retention practices, reduced attrition, and launched innovative training initiatives that promote accountability, equity, psychological safety, and professional growth. She is especially passionate about developing internal talent pipelines and creating meaningful opportunities for staff to advance into leadership roles. Her philosophy is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: “I build systems that honor people because when people thrive, organizations transform.” Strategic, people centered, and impact driven, Camisha is helping shape the future of HSNY by building the systems and culture that allow teams and communities to flourish.

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Dr. Xellex Rivera

Chief Program Officer 

Dr. Xellex Z. Rivera, known professionally as “Dr. X,” is a Bronx native and accomplished scholar with a lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable populations. A graduate of Manhattan College with dual master’s degrees in Counseling and Mental Health Counseling, she is also a proud HBCU alumna of Livingstone College, where she majored in Liberal Arts and English. Although she initially planned to pursue journalism, her path shifted toward counseling and advocacy. Dr. Rivera earned a third master’s degree in Philosophy from Walden University in 2019 and later completed her doctoral work there with a concentration in Social Policy Analysis and Planning. Her dissertation, “Experiences of Long-Term Stay Among Homeless Millennials in New York City Shelters,” examined how millennials aged 25 to 34 interpret and understand their extended stays in NYC single adult shelters. Her research has been featured in Forbes Women, BronxNet, Fox News, CBS News, and NBC News. Before joining HSNY, Dr. Rivera served as Senior Director of Homeless Programs at Urban Resource Institute, where she worked with families experiencing homelessness, severe mental illness, and substance use challenges. She continues to educate and lead workshops on homelessness in NYC and teaches as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University in a transcontinental program. Dr. Rivera is a dedicated mentor, contributing author, and founder of the #iAmSHE Women’s Empowerment Organization under the Rivera Sisters Foundation, which focuses on holistic support for minority women and girls. Guided by her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, she brings unwavering determination, faith, and passion to her work on behalf of NYC’s most vulnerable residents.

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Kenya Robinson

VP of Compliance

Kenya Robinson holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Social Work from Syracuse University’s College of Human Services and Health Professions. She also earned a Seminar Training in Field Instruction Certificate from Nyack College and an Educational Provisional Social Work Certificate from the New York State Board of Education. A proud Bronx native, Kenya brings more than 20 years of experience in substance abuse counseling, case management, and quality assurance. She has developed extensive field, managerial, and administrative expertise while working with diverse populations throughout New York City. Kenya is dedicated to redefining compliance and quality assurance as supportive, collaborative functions rather than punitive ones. She believes staff can only meet expectations when they are properly trained, clearly informed of guidelines, and supported throughout the process. Her guiding question—“Is the system, system’ing?”—underscores her focus on ensuring that policies and procedures operate effectively in real time. Although she holds an administrative leadership role, Kenya remains deeply hands-on. She frequently conducts inspections, reviews case files, and works directly with staff to strengthen accountability and streamline workflows. Her goal is to build systems that help HSNY operate more efficiently so that staff can work smarter, not harder. Kenya is excited to bring her experience, insight, and passion for service to HSNY as she continues improving processes and ensuring high-quality, compliant care for the clients and communities HSNY serves.

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Eric Alston

VP of Operations

Eric Alston, a proud Bronx native, holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Iona University, along with an Advanced Certificate in Sports & Entertainment. With more than 13 years of diverse operations experience, Eric has a proven record of developing innovative operational systems, driving organizational efficiency, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve and exceed performance goals. As Vice President of Operations, Eric has direct oversight of all facility operations within HSNY’s portfolio. He is responsible for implementing protocols and procedures that ensure every site complies with standards set by State and City Agencies, including OTDA, DHS, and HRA. Eric brings exceptional problem-solving skills, a proactive leadership approach, and the ability to manage shifting priorities to support HSNY’s clients, staff, and stakeholders. He is committed to strengthening operational excellence across the organization and advancing HSNY’s mission with integrity and purpose.

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