For us, February 29th was “take the next leap” day.
We ended the third year of my tenure at Columbia County Habitat by announcing new projects and the expansion of our services into our neighboring county.
On to year four. The housing affordability crisis continues to grow, and we are determined to set an example of what can be done when communities work together. We intend to build on the progress so many have contributed to. This is the reality: It’s up to us.
Onward…
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Building More Affordable Homes In More Places: Columbia County Habitat For Humanity Announces New Construction Initiatives
HUDSON, NY, February 29, 2024 – Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization specializing in building safe affordable homes, announced plans last year to expand its building capacity and serve more local families. Two new projects are now underway in Columbia County: a full-home rehab project in Valatie and a new home to be built in Niverville, and will provide additional safe and affordable housing for local families in the area. Two Habitat homes begun in 2023 are currently nearing completion in Philmont, NY.
Columbia County Habitat will initiate its new home construction in Albany on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 as part of the bi-annual Habitat New York State Capitol Build. Habitat volunteers, partner families and staff will join state legislators and their staffs at the NY State Capitol to begin framing the walls of what will become a new home in Niverville. Volunteer shifts ranging from 10 minutes to two hours are available. Sign up for a shift here.
In addition to these projects, the organization is also excited to announce another phase of its expansion: For the first time Habitat for Humanity will serve families and build homes in Greene County. Within the next few months, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity will become Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity.
“The housing affordability crisis in our communities has not abated. We are committed to building quality, energy efficient starter homes that our average and lower-wage workers can afford, and that our towns and villages desperately need to retain the quality of life that makes these communities vibrant and attractive,” Al Bellenchia, Chief Executive said. “We are very excited to explore how we can work with community leaders in Greene County to site projects there, as we continue building on our 30 years of service in Columbia County.”
Under the new name, Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity will build homes to meet a diverse range of needs. All new homes will be built using Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity’s new design concept and will provide affordable, efficient, and sustainable housing for average wage and lower-income residents. The new starter home design balances sustainability and cost, and high quality with affordability. Key features will include:
● Efficient Design and Systems: All electric house with an air-source heat pump for heating and cooling and an electric hot water heater. Energy usage is expected to be about 1/3 of the area’s typical comparable home.
● Net Zero Ready: The estimated power usage will allow the homeowner to install a roof-top solar system sufficient to power the entire home.
● Scaled for Rural Builds: Use of an engineered waste disposal system will reduce required lot sizes, promoting clustering and greater density in locations not served by municipal sewer systems.
Applications for upcoming homes will open in the next few weeks, for current and future projects. See Columbia County Habitat for Humanity’s website for more information.
Founded in 1993, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, specialized in building safe, decent, and affordable housing for low to average-wage households. With the support of volunteers and communities, CCHFH has built and rehabilitated 25 homes across Columbia County in Ancramdale, Chatham, Copake, Hudson, New Lebanon and Valatie. With a new vision and growth plan supported by a dedicated professional staff, the new Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity is currently finishing two new homes in Philmont and is poised to construct starter homes at a scale that will have a measurable impact on the housing crisis affecting both counties.
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Much remains to be done. By working together, through collaboration and persistence, we can be heroes for our neighbors in need.
#letsbuild