Habitat for Humanity Hudson Homes
By: Amanda Graves
Most people would agree there is a big difference between a house and a home. Someone may have an image of a structure that they would consider to be a nice house, but it’s the memories made inside, the stability it provides, and the comfort of having a place to return to every day that truly turns a house into a home. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties (HFH-NSWWC) is working tirelessly to provide that opportunity to families working toward home ownership. Currently, they are fundraising for a project in Hudson Falls that could open the door for multiple families to achieve that reality.
HFH-NSWWC already owns a parcel of land in Hudson Falls where they’re building a 3-bedroom, 1,245 sq. ft. home, using modern means of construction. What started as a plan for one home has expanded with exciting new opportunities. An adjacent lot has become available, offering the chance to build another home there, and another nearby lot is also on the market. Altogether, if HFH-NSWWC reaches their fundraising goal, they could provide four homes in the same neighborhood—giving four families a safe, stable home and lend to a neighborhood revitalization.
Fawn Montanye, Director of Development for HFH-NSWWC, explained, “We have a very direct vision of working with what we have. If we’re able to acquire more, we’ll be able to do more.” What began as a single home in Hudson Falls could soon become a small community of families. HFH-NSWWC has set a goal of raising $75,000 to make this vision a reality.
As a nonprofit, the HFH-NSWWC depends on community involvement and fundraising to sustain their efforts. No donation is too small whether it be financial contributions or volunteering your time. “The biggest challenge is how do we serve an appropriate number of families to make an impact and be meaningful,” shared Fawn. With community support, this challenge can be overcome and allow the HFH-NSWWC to serve more people. “We’re really seeking to be collaborative with the community,” said Fawn. Habitat for Humanity is often misunderstood as an organization that simply provides homes to individuals based on hardship alone. In reality, they partner with diverse families who are working hard to achieve homeownership, meeting specific income qualifications, and demonstrating their ability to pay an affordable mortgage and contribute sweat equity. “These are workforce housing families. These are folks who are already pursuing mortgages and looking to have homes in their areas,” explained Fawn, “We supply an affordable decent housing inventory and at that same time, allow the opportunity for folks who are already working towards home ownership to achieve that goal, and that stability, and really look to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and contribute to neighborhood revitalization.”
The Hudson Falls project has the potential to give multiple families the security of knowing they can afford a safe home for their family. Fawn explained how rewarding it is, “To see the relief and just knowing how much less worry is involved, the lessening of stress on any given day, the ability to sleep better at night, to be able to look at your kids and say ‘we did this.’” As individuals, we have the power to make a difference for our communities and help those around us. This project is the perfect opportunity. In order to learn more about the HFH-NSWWC and donate today visit their website: https://glensfallshabitat.org/.