Columbia County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a Community Impact Grant from the Fund for Columbia County, a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The $5,000 award will support Habitat Helping Hands, a program designed to help senior and low-income homeowners make critical safety repairs and accessibility upgrades to their homes.
Since its launch a year ago, Habitat Helping Hands has assisted 12 Columbia County families and is gearing up for a busy 2023 season. Habitat Helping Hands is volunteer-driven and led by our Construction Project Manager, Mike Tizekker. Volunteers are needed for upcoming projects. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up here. Applications for assistance can be completed online here and are also available for download. Paper applications may be requested by calling 518-828-0892. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for Columbia County in 1999 to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in Columbia County. The fund serves as a resource to help organizations create and implement programs that make life safer, healthier, and more equitable for all residents of the county. Through its Grants for Community Impact, the fund supports projects that further youth development, economic equity, civic and community engagement, arts and cultural programming that focuses on community engagement, education, the environment, and health and social services that directly impact the people of Columbia County. Columbia County Habitat is grateful to the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for their support of our project and for their support of our community. Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce that its next building project will take place in the Village of Philmont with an expected groundbreaking this Spring. This project will consist of building two houses concurrently on separate but adjoining lots on Eagle Street. These houses will be the 26th and 27th built or rehabilitated over the last 30 years by Columbia County Habitat.
“After a pause in new building due to the pandemic, we are excited to be bringing new homeownership opportunities to Columbia County and the Village of Philmont,” says Al Bellenchia, Executive Director and Chief Executive who is marking his second-year anniversary with the organization. “Coming on board during the pandemic and navigating all the restrictions in place was a challenge in itself. Evolving an organization for a successful reboot is familiar territory for me and I am grateful for our committed board members, staff and volunteers who helped focus our vision for the future.” Columbia County Habitat is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2023 and has expanded its commitment to partnering with hard-working local families in achieving the dream of first-time homeownership. Habitat for Humanity gives a “hand up” to applicants who qualify for a subsidized home and demonstrate a need for more adequate shelter. Partner families commit to giving 250 to 300 hours of “sweat equity” in the building of their own homes, on other building and repair projects, and in the ReStore. “We are excited to partner with the Village of Philmont, and see great potential in a place where more than half the residents are renters, many of whom live in substandard housing or are cost-burdened by soaring lease prices,” continued Bellenchia. “We can see the potential to offer many other opportunities for infilling in this community…and possibly an opportunity for a small development of Habitat homes.” Philmont Mayor Brian Johnson says, "All of us on the Village Board are excited for Columbia County Habitat to begin work on the two homes on Eagle Street and about future collaborative projects to improve local housing opportunities in the Village of Philmont. We're impressed with Habitat as an organization and their vision for supporting communities like ours, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship." The Habitat Application Process The Family Selection process is now open and applications are being accepted for the new Philmont houses as well as other upcoming build projects yet to be announced. Applications can be obtained via mail by calling 518-828-0892 or emailing familyselection@columbiacountyhabitat.org. Applications may also be requested and/or downloaded at columbiacountyhabitat.org/own-a-home. Potential partner families are selected based on three criteria:
Full details are available at columbiacountyhabitat.org/own-a-home. Community-Supported Construction Earlier this year, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity published its Vision 2025 - a framework for future development by building community together. Vision 2025 is a strategic development plan designed to serve more Columbia County families in more ways by increasing the frequency of homebuilding, assisting existing homeowners in need with critical safety repairs, and advocating at the local, state and federal level for policies and funding that support increased affordable homeownership options. Columbia County Habitat is actively seeking partnerships with local municipalities and area businesses who recognize the need for, and the value of, more affordable homeownership options in their communities. “Basic, sustainable, and affordable homes must be prioritized to rebuild the vitality of Columbia County. Smaller-scale construction projects that support – not overrun – communities can be created to fit within the fabric of what currently exists,” says Bellenchia. “In addition to our individual home projects, we are seeking a land parcel to build multiple homes on half-acre lots for more working-class families in Columbia County. Without a significant increase in our affordable housing stock, our children will continue to leave and businesses will struggle to find employees.” Volunteers Needed! Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to connect and volunteer with Habitat. Columbia County Habitat provides excellent team building opportunities and is scheduling now for Spring and Summer projects. Individuals and groups of volunteers are encouraged to signup HERE or email volunteer@columbiacountyhabitat.org Your inner fashionista can help build affordable housing in Columbia County without breaking a nail or muddying your feet! “Bags, Bling and Beautiful Things” is a charity auction scheduled for Saturday May 6th at 4pm at Meissner’s Auction Service in New Lebanon. Proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to create more affordable homeownership opportunities in Columbia County.
Columbia County Habitat is seeking tax deductible donations of jewelry, hand bags, scarves and other accessories that will be sold in auction at the event. Interested donors can send an email to bling@columbiacountyhabitat.org to coordinate pickup of their donated items. Meissner’s Auction Service will serve as the host venue for the event. Doors open at 4pm for an hour of viewing auction items. The auction will begin at 5pm. Admission to the event is $10 and includes wine, soft beverages and light fare. Attendees will receive a $5 coupon towards an auction purchase. Tickets are available at the door or at www.columbiacountyhabitat.org Meissner’s Auction Service is located at 438 Route 20 in New Lebanon, NY, is family-owned and has been in business for nearly 20 years. They conduct weekly auctions on Saturdays and specialize in high-quality antique and period furniture, oil paintings, antique dolls, shaker items, stoneware and vintage advertising. Columbia County Habitat for Humanity has served local low-income individuals and families for 30 years by building 25 homes in six local communities and providing critical repair and accessibility improvements in many more. Founded in 1993, Columbia County Habitat is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023 and has adopted a progressive growth strategy to help address the lack of affordable housing in the area. The anniversary will be marked by several community events throughout the year culminating in a 30th Anniversary Celebration to be held in September. Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023 and has adopted a progressive growth strategy to help address the lack of affordable housing in the area. The organization has committed to building more homes more often, and partnering with more families to help them realize the dream of homeownership. The organization will also serve more low- and moderate-income and senior homeowners with its award-winning home repair and education program, Habitat Helping Hands.
Within the next three years, Columbia County Habitat is committing to:
“The need for affordable housing in Columbia County has always been significant, but the situation has become a full-scale crisis in our communities,” Al Bellenchia, Columbia County Habitat’s Executive Director and CEO, said. “Those of modest means are finding it nearly impossible to find decent affordable housing for sale or even for rent in Columbia County. Columbia County Habitat is committed to developing real solutions to this crisis. As the only dedicated developer of affordable homeownership options in the County, Habitat for Humanity feels a responsibility to the community to meet this need head-on.” Why Affordable Housing Matters in Columbia County
“Over 30 years, Columbia County Habitat has built more than two dozen homes by bringing together partner families, volunteers and community organizations,” Carolynn Anklam, Columbia County Habitat’s Board President said. “Community-supported construction is what Habitat for Humanity is all about, and what has made the organization admired and respected worldwide. Neighbors helping neighbors will continue to be at the heart of our mission as we grow our impact.” To meet the rising need for affordable homes, Columbia County Habitat has committed itself to a 3-year strategic plan that will grow its organizational capacity. By the end of year 2025, Habitat will serve more families in Columbia County by building 3 or more new homes each year utilizing basic, sustainable, efficient, and expandable home designs. In the same timeframe, Habitat Helping Hands will scale-up its home repair services program to assist 3 or more families per month. Columbia County Habitat will continue to serve as the area’s primary advocate for the development of affordable homeownership opportunities by working closely with local and state organizations, elected officials, and the recently formed Columbia County Affordable Housing Task Force to create change that will result in more affordable housing options being built in the County. “Basic, sustainable, and affordable homes must be prioritized to rebuild the vitality of Columbia County. Smaller-scale construction projects that support – not overrun – communities can be created to fit within the fabric of what currently exists. Columbia County Habitat is actively seeking partnerships with local municipalities and area businesses who recognize the need for, and the value of more affordable homeownership options in our communities.” Bellenchia said. Founded in 1993, Columbia County Habitat has served local low-income individuals and families for 30 years by building 25 homes in six communities and providing critical repair and accessibility improvements in many more. The anniversary will be marked by several community events throughout the year culminating in a 30th Anniversary Celebration to be held in September. Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress issued their Housing Insights for January 2023 and outlined the outcomes of its annual conference of its Center for Housing Solutions held in November of last year. Our own Executive Director, Al Bellenchia was one of 100+ experienced practitioners and policymakers that came together in one place for a brainstorming session that challenged Hudson Valley stakeholders to identify solutions to the systemic barriers that prevent too many of our neighbors from owning a home and building equity.
The thoughtful recommendations of this group will inform Pattern’s research and policy work in 2023 and beyond. Coincidentally, these recommendations align closely with Gov. Hochul’s 2023 proposal for a statewide housing compact to require and incentivize the construction of more housing in the next several years. Pattern believes that the recommendations from their regional stakeholders can help New York unlock the potential of its investments in housing by specifically increasing access to affordable and stable homeownership, which yields better outcomes for health, education, well-being, and quality of life overall. This publication outlines four key impediments to homeownership identified by the stakeholder group, followed by six strategies for policy solutions to help overcome these barriers. Marketing and Communications Internships Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, located in Hudson, NY has internship opportunities for area college students and high school juniors & seniors. This is an unpaid volunteer internship that can earn the student 1 to 3 college credit hours per semester through a combination of in-house, on-site and remote work and learning time.
The successful candidate(s) will be mentored by the Director of Community Engagement and Communications, Scott Mathias, who is a seasoned marketing professional and part-time lecturer at the University at Albany. The student intern will gain hands-on experience with all forms of communications utilized by a non-profit organization using modern marketing tactics. The ideal student candidate is an intentional self-starter with a high-level of motivation to accomplish goals; can receive and follow instructions effectively, and has the ability to work both independently and as a team member. Preference will be given to the candidate who is pursuing (or wishes to pursue) a degree and/or career in marketing and communications. Further preference will be given to the candidate who lives in Columbia County and has a strong interest in the affordable housing crisis. The internship work hours will be structured according to the student’s availability. The mentor will communicate with the student’s academic advisor, guidance counselor and/or parents to ensure bi-directional accountability and will provide a written evaluation at the completion of the term. Interested students should submit a resume (CV) along with a cover letter outlining their interest in working with Habitat for Humanity. The cover letter should provide an introduction of themselves and their background; their motivation for pursuing this internship, and their general availability for the next 3 to 6 months. Please submit resume and cover letter and any questions to interns@columbiacountyhabitat.org. Columbia County Habitat Study Shows Structural Barriers Restrain Affordable Homeownership in County12/1/2022
Columbia County Habitat advocates change in property tax assessment for affordable housing Columbia County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) has published a study that details how current state and local tax policies work against efforts to promote affordable housing, and specifically harms efforts to promote homeownership among low to moderate-income families and communities of color. Conducted for CCHFH by the regional research and planning group Pattern For Progress, “A Case for the Fair Taxation of Subsidized and Affordable Owner-Occupied Housing in New York State,” details the systemic challenges to addressing the housing crisis in New York State generally, and in Columbia County specifically. Al Bellenchia, Executive Director and CEO of CCHFH said: “The housing study conducted earlier this year by Pattern for Progress for the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) showed that affordable housing has become a full-blown community/economic crisis in our county. Nearly half of the families making $60,000 per year or less are housing cost-burdened (spending 30% or more of their income on housing costs.) Our study sought to understand the components of the cost burden. We wanted to learn what reasonable adjustments to policy could be made to accelerate development of homeownership by those traditionally underserved by existing programs and systems.” “Homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity provide many of our neighbors with their best shot at becoming a homeowner,” said Adam Bosch, CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. “But New York’s policies on taxation and assessment can quickly chip away at the subsidies that make these homes affordable for first-time buyers. Our report outlines a number of solutions that can help to keep Habitat homes affordable for longer, and maintain the dream of homeownership for more people across the state. These are valuable goals that deserve the attention of our policymakers.” Key highlights from the study include:
The study found that even at 80% of Columbia County’s Area Median Income (AMI), an affordability gap exists for residents seeking to purchase a modestly priced home ($250,000) in the county, very few of which currently exist. Elka Gotfyrd, Director of Pattern For Progress’ Center for Housing Solutions said: “Our representatives in all levels of government have demonstrated their commitment to advance affordable housing. However, our research shows that New York State property tax policies work against efforts to increase homeownership access. First-time homebuyer rates are at all-time lows as housing prices are entirely out of reach for most New Yorkers. Luckily, there are concrete actions our legislators can pursue to support more equitable outcomes. Without significant legislative action, market trends coupled with regressive property taxation will continue to exacerbate the degree to which our economic playing field is far from level.”
Bellenchia added: “If low and moderate-income families - the people who work our farms, serve our coffee, draw our blood, maintain our streets, staff our offices - cannot find or afford housing in our communities, they will seek out other places where they can affordably work and raise their children. We are seeing this unfold in real time across our county as more and more employers cannot find local workers that can find local housing they can afford.” The report lays out several ways that policy can be changed:
“Many of our communities are taking action to promote the development of more affordable housing. We hope that our study provides more data and insight into how sensible policy reforms can make the creation of new housing a reality in these communities,” Bellenchia said. The full report is available for download HERE. Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, specializes in building safe, decent, and affordable housing for working families throughout the county. CCHFH has built or rehabilitated 25 homes across Columbia County in Ancramdale, Chatham, Copake, Hudson, New Lebanon and Valatie. In Spring 2022, Habitat launched Habitat Helping Hands, an award-winning homeowner support and services program designed to offer minor home maintenance and repair assistance, and training and education programs for seniors and low-income homeowners. CCHFH also operates the Hudson ReStore, which offers new and used donated home goods at deeply discounted prices. Dear Friends,
Even though change is a constant in our lives, it is never easy. Our community has changed in ways large and small over the nearly 30 years since a small group of friends came together to establish Columbia County Habitat, and committed to providing safe, affordable homes for families in need. Over these 29 years, we have constructed or rehabilitated 26 homes, repaired many others, and transformed the lives of dozens of families. Building our first homes was relatively straightforward, or at least it seems so now. Find a family, raise funds for construction, bring the community together to build, provide an affordable mortgage and then move on to the next project. Now, our process has become much more challenging. The need for affordable housing has always been significant, but now the situation is becoming a full-scale crisis in the Hudson Valley. One regional housing expert called it “an armageddon.” Those with modest means are finding it nearly impossible to find decent affordable housing for sale or even for rent in Columbia County. According to a study commissioned by the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation, nearly half of those families with incomes of $60,000 or less in the County are housing cost burdened (spending 30% or more of their income on housing costs). Given rising rents, taxes and home prices, this burden will increase for more of our neighbors. Columbia County Habitat is committed to developing real solutions to this crisis. As the only dedicated developer of affordable homeownership options in the County, we have a responsibility to the community to facilitate an approach that will benefit all stakeholders. The ability to adapt is a trait of successful leadership. Last year, our board of directors adopted a new vision of a more active and impactful Habitat operation. This year, we have moved to make that vision a reality. In 2022, we have:
Our Goals:
Home is the heart of community Large scale affordable rental development is needed to provide the sheer numbers of living units required to support a healthy and thriving Columbia County. But rental spaces are by their nature transient, not permanent. They do not generate the same benefits to a community that homeownership does. The benefits of homeownership have been clearly demonstrated. They include:
The family home is the foundation of a successful community. We are a nation of homeowners, and this is reflected in the historic 70+% homeownership rates in our County. But our population is aging and declining in numbers, even with the unprecedented migration to the area stemming from the pandemic. This has reduced the inventory of available homes and significantly driven up prices, creating a vicious cycle for low to moderate-income working families. Our children are not staying, because they cannot afford to. The same goes for our service workers. Our housing crisis is at the center of this. Basic, sustainable, affordable homes must be prioritized to rebuild the vitality of our County. Smaller-scale construction projects that support – not overrun – communities CAN be created to fit within the fabric of what currently exists. This is the model that Habitat for Humanity has pioneered and propagated all over the country. This is what we will bring to the various communities of Columbia County that wish to work with us in developing new housing. In early 2023, we will unveil the specifics of our new construction and homeowner services programs. As we close out this year, we ask again for your support by making a generous financial contribution to support our building initiatives. Any amount helps, and contributions of $100, $500 or more will allow us to do more, more quickly. Let’s make 2023 the year we make real progress on our housing crisis. Together, we can build a more stable and affordable community for all. With best wishes for the holiday season, Carolynn Anklam, President, Board of Directors Al Bellenchia, Executive Director & CEO Columbia County Habitat for Humanity was awarded Best New Program for its Habitat Helping Hands program at the New York State Affiliate Conference held in Binghamton last week. Habitat Helping Hands launched in March of 2022 and is designed to help senior citizens and low-income homeowners make critical safety and accessibility-related repairs and upgrades to their homes. To date, the program has assisted 10 families in Columbia County and currently has a waiting list for several more projects.
Executive Director and CEO Al Bellenchia accepted the award from Habitat NYS CEO, Mary Robinson at the state-wide conference of Habitat affiliates. Robinson remarked, "We are proud to recognize Habitat Helping Hands as Best New Program in 2022. It’s exciting to see a program that brings together community partners to improve the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable homeowners and ensure families can remain independent and safe at home." Columbia County Habitat’s Executive Director Al Bellenchia commented, “Habitat Helping Hands is all about neighbors helping neighbors and relies on volunteers in each community to work alongside our Construction Project Manager, Mike Tizekker. We help homeowners in need make minor repairs, make their houses safer and more accessible, and help keep seniors in their homes.” Habitat Helping Hands is generously supported by Ed Herrington, Inc., Greylock Federal Credit Union, The Dyson Foundation, Columbia County Libraries Association, Columbia-Greene Community College, and the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation. Strategic Partnership Announced Between Columbia County Habitat for Humanity and Columbia-Greene Community College Columbia County Habitat for Humanity and Columbia-Greene Community College have spearheaded a strategic partnership to address the urgent need for more affordable housing, train more skilled tradespeople, and provide support for senior and low-income homeowners living in Columbia County. This new partnership will be showcased at a "Celebration of Community Construction" event to be held on Saturday, October 15th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the new Construction Technology building on the C-GCC campus.
Tours of the new Construction Technology building will be given and guests will hear short presentations and dedications from the event hosts and sponsors. The event will feature catered hors d'oeuvres by Morales Catering along with a selection of beer, wine and soft beverages. Tickets are $75 and are available at www.columbiacountyhabitat.org. The partnership between Habitat and C-GCC is centered on the college’s newly-formed Habitat Club and its Construction Technologies program, both of which help support the Habitat Helping Hands initiative. Habitat Helping Hands is a program that provides services and education that fosters safe and livable homes for low-income families and seniors in need of safety-related and accessibility-related home repairs. The new Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Student Club will start this fall. This college chapter will work with the Columbia County Habitat for Humanity to connect with the community, set up volunteer opportunities, educate the campus and community around issues related to housing and Habitat, and will be open for all students to join. College faculty and staff are invited to participate in the club’s events and service opportunities. Columbia-Greene Community College, a campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), is a comprehensive, two-year college offering a variety of transfer and career programs leading to the degrees of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in Occupational Studies, as well as one-year certificate programs, microcredentials, and specialized courses geared toward community interest. C-GCC’s Construction Technology Certificate program is an affordable, comprehensive series of courses designed to help students jump-start their carpentry careers. No prior carpentry or construction experience is required to apply to this program, which can be completed in one year. Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, specializes in building safe, decent, and affordable housing for working families throughout the county. Columbia County Habitat has built or rehabilitated 25 homes across Columbia County in Ancramdale, Chatham, Copake, Hudson, New Lebanon and Valatie. Columbia County Habitat also operates the Hudson ReStore, which offers new and used donated home goods at deeply discounted prices. All proceeds from the Hudson ReStore go to supporting Habitat’s mission in Columbia County. |