United Way leader in Orleans recognized with ‘Homeless Service Award’

Provided photo: Nyla Gaylord, director of United Way of Orleans County, holds the Pillars of Homeless Service Award she received at the WNY Homeless Alliance 20th anniversary celebration on Dec. 5.

Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, was recently recognized by the WNY Homeless Alliance with their Pillars of Homeless Service Award.

The award was presented Dec. 5 at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville, where more than 350 community members met for the WNY Homeless Alliance’s 20th anniversary celebration. The event recognized two decades of regional progress toward ending homelessness, and honored leaders whose long-standing dedication has strengthened the Western New York homeless response system.

A focal moment of the afternoon was the presentation of the award, which celebrated 21 individuals who have each contributed more than 20 years to supporting people experiencing homelessness. These honorees, whose combined careers represent centuries of advocacy and human compassion, were recognized for their steadfast service, innovation and leadership across the region.

Gaylord has a four-decade career in human services, which has been shaped by a commitment to walking alongside people whose struggles often go unseen.

Her work began in 1980 with Rural New York Farmworker Opportunities (now PathStone), where she provided assistance to migrant farmworkers and learned firsthand that advocacy, trust and dignity are essential to helping individuals move forward.

Over the years, she created programs and services to assist older adults, displaced homemakers, people with disabilities, refugees and individuals facing addiction, unemployment and mental health challenges. No matter the role, she witnessed a fundamental truth – without stable housing, people cannot begin to address unemployment, health or recovery.

In Orleans County Gaylord has led efforts to address the shortage of housing and rising homelessness. Following the 2022 closure of the Holley Hotel, she convened community partners for a countywide “Community Conversation on Housing,” which led to the opening of the county’s first warming center in 2023. Under her leadership, United Way continues to bring together government, nonprofit, business and grassroots partners to expand affordable housing options and respond to the growing number of residents without shelter.

The December celebration also featured a video chronicling the Homeless Alliance’s history, remarks from executive director Kexin Ma, and reflections from honorees Joy Tedeschi and Robyn Kreuger on the shared commitment that has shaped progress throughout Western New York, In a moment of national acknowledgment, Congressman Tim Kennedy’s office presented an Extension of Remarks to the Homeless Alliance – an honor that will join the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.

United Way of Orleans County extends appreciation to the Homeless Alliance and to all regional partners working to ensure every person has access to safe, stable housing. As the need grows, so does the organization’s commitment to collaboration, compassion and community-driven solutions.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nyla Gaylord speaks in May during a housing forum that she helped lead for officials in Orleans County. That forum was held at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.