Building stability, restoring hope: Supporting women facing homelessness in Brooklyn
In Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighbourhood, a new space is opening its doors and with it, new possibilities for women working to rebuild their lives.
Sun Life has co-led a $90 million investment in HELP USA’s newest women’s shelter, a purpose-built, 200-bed facility designed to support women experiencing homelessness, including many who are fleeing domestic violence. The shelter provides more than a safe place to stay, it offers access to care, community and a pathway forward.
Onsite, residents can access medical care, mental health support, case management and housing services, all under one roof. The goal is simple but powerful: help women find stability and reconnect with the supports they need whether that’s long-term housing, treatment programs or family.
But it’s not just about immediate needs. The shelter is also designed to support overall wellbeing, with programming like art therapy and healthy cooking classes, helping residents build confidence, develop skills and take meaningful steps toward independence.
For Sun Life, the investment reflects a broader commitment to improving access to health and wellness services for communities that need them most.
“Supporting essential services for underserved populations is central to our strategy of helping people access care and other health services. By investing in initiatives like this shelter, we’re helping to strengthen communities and expand access to the support people need to move forward.”
The power of partnership
In addition to the investment, Sun Life has donated $25,000 to HELP USA’s Healthy Living initiative, which funds cooking classes at the shelter, supporting residents in building practical, everyday skills that can contribute to long-term wellbeing.
HELP USA, which has been supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness for over 40 years, operates more than 70 programs across the United States and has helped hundreds of thousands of people find stability.
For Sun Life, initiatives like this are part of a bigger picture: advancing solutions that connect people to care, strengthen resilience and help communities thrive.
Because when people have access to the right support, they’re better able to move forward with dignity, stability and hope.
