Maria Cuomo Cole
Maria Cuomo Cole has worked as an advocate for the homeless and Chairman of HELP USA since 1992. Under her leadership, the New York based non-profit organization founded in 1986 by her brother, Governor Andrew Cuomo, has expanded nationally to become a leading provider of homes and services for homeless and low income populations in the United States.
Today, the organization operates thirty three residences across the nation in seven cities and has served over 280,000 men, women and children.
Ms. Cuomo Cole has led the strategic growth of the organization to serve growing populations in need of secure homes and services including Veterans, victims of domestic violence, and people with HIV/AIDS. To meet the needs of under served constituencies, she has developed resources and partnerships to help fund the organization's operational capacity and creation of tailored services to create an holistic continuum of care. Programs such as employment, counseling, youth education and mentoring have become a significant component of the HELP USA model.
In 2000, Ms. Cole initiated the development of a unique model of integrated permanent housing for homeless veterans in partnership with the Veteran's Administration. The first HELP USA Veteran Homes residence opened in Las Vegas with subsequent projects built for veterans and their families in Philadelphia, Newark , New York City and Washington DC. Today HELP USA is a leading national builder of innovative supportive housing for homeless and low income veterans with disabilities and their families.
Ms. Cuomo Cole has developed numerous media advocacy campaigns and directed and produced short films, public service announcements and digital content to raise awareness for a variety of social issues including homelessness and gun violence. Ms. Cole’s 2011 documentary, Living for 32, about gun laws in America was shortlisted for an Academy Award and premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. The documentary which aired on Showtime and is distributed by BBC Worldwide, is currently touring communities and colleges across the country. The film's advocacy and social engagement campaign provides education and promotes social action initiatives to promote safer gun laws.
In 2012, Ms. Cuomo Cole executive produced The Invisible War, a groundbreaking investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape and sexual violence in the U.S. military. The film which was nominated for a 2013 Academy Award and won numerous awards including the Peabody Award and continues to raise the national conversation about military sexual violence. A robust social action campaign continues with hope to reform policies and increase training and awareness.
Ms. Cuomo Cole serves on several boards and political organizations, including Mayor Bloomberg's Task Force to Combat Domestic Violence of New York City and the Democratic National Committee. She serves as a Director of The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, HELP PSI, Mentoring USA and HELP USA and is a founding member of Sankofa, a newly launched nonprofit addressing pressing social justice issues, founded by the legendary entertainer and human rights advocate, Harry Belafonte. Ms. Cuomo Cole has been recognized for her leadership and service including, The American Red Cross, The Brady Campaign, National Alliance to End Homelessness, New York Women in Communication MATRIX Award, New York Women's Forum and the Creative Coalition.