23rd Annual Habitat Walk For Housing

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Ten year old Daniel Fuller could not have been more excited to start walking Sunday afternoon. Proudly wearing his Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh yellow tee-shirt, while holding onto a map route of the Annual Walk, Fuller was quick to cite his pending purpose for joining in on the two plus mile trek through the City of Newburgh streets.

“Habitat makes happier lives,” said Town of Newburgh resident Fuller about Habitat’s impact.

Fuller, along with over 200 of Habitat for Greater Newburgh supportive walkers, turned out early Sunday afternoon to navigate five chiefly Historic District-located streets containing over 100 Habitat Homes. The Walk, which raised almost $30,000, included; East Parmenter Street, Ann Street Faith Builds, South Miller Street, Clark Street and William Street, along with six active rehabilitation and new-construction build sites on North Miller and Johnson Streets. In addition to the house viewing, walkers were also treated to seeing six Habitat homes, led by their residents, competing in a “front door decoration contest.” One contained a beautiful floral design, another some ethnic décor and a third contained a festive theme, complete with children donning grass skirts. Regardless of the specific decorations, the door designs were symbolic of something much deeper.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh celebrated its 23rd Annual Walk for Housing fundraiser, Sunday, April 24, 2022. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh celebrated its 23rd Annual Walk for Housing fundraiser, Sunday, April 24, 2022. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

“I’m a proud Habitat owner, and I’m celebrating that with this door decoration,” affirmed Mary Burnett, whose Benkard Avenue front door was covered in colorful flowers. “Today is really all about the great things that Habitat is doing for so many people.”

Some of those treasured offerings of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh include a guiding mantra of healthy, affordable home ownership for all people, everywhere. Through accruing “sweat equity hours,” Habitat recipients, are afforded the unique opportunity to directly engage in all stages of home ownership. Whether it be directly working on building the exterior and-or interior of their home, learning the financial components involved in purchasing and maintaining it, or attending classes on an assortment of other crucial topics involved, Habitat offers priceless skills and opportunities to develop lifelong bonds with selfless volunteers who lovingly and patiently guide homeowners through each phase. The result is not only becoming a knowledgeable home owner, but one who has an “extended family” and community always there to help.

Several Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh homeowners were at Sunday’s Walk. Each was grateful for all the memories his-her Habitat journey has provided as well as continues to make every day.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh celebrated its 23rd Annual Walk for Housing fundraiser, Sunday, April 24, 2022. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh celebrated its 23rd Annual Walk for Housing fundraiser, Sunday, April 24, 2022. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

“The people you meet and the classes you take as well as hours you put in toward building your home really let you learn and appreciate owning a home,” reflected Antonio Lopez, who along with his wife Acelina and three daughters, have been living on William Street in their Habitat Home since September, 2020. “It was great to see all the people today at this walk as well as how beautiful the decorated houses looked.” He added, “I’m just so grateful that my children all have their own room, a back yard big enough for them to play in, and just an overall very comfortable place to live.”

In addition to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh Executive Director, Matt Arborlino, offering words of appreciation for being able to once again bring this Walk back in person on its original April date, such a beautiful day, and recognition of homeowners taking part in the event which is the reason behind everything of the day, retired Reverend Cathryn Surgenor of Hudson River Presbytary also spoke prior to the Walk’s commencement.

“By walking together we build community and following Matthew 25, we are providing comfort and shelter to those who need it,” said Surgenor about the powerful impact of the Walk. “When we step together, we can overcome; as you walk these streets, share and celebrate that we are part of a wonderful, dynamic community.”

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