Habitat of Dutchess Dedicates Their First Condo

WAPPINGERS FALLS – On June 1, 2023, Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County hosted their 38th home dedication. Located in Wappinger Falls, our newest Habitat Homeowner, Romi is a first time homeowner. Attendees at the dedication included Romi, family, friends, donors, volunteers, board members, and local dignitaries. The family was warmly welcomed, not only to their new home, but to their new neighborhood.

In 2023 Habitat Dutchess launched a pilot project rehabbing small condos for single and small family units with the assistance of an anonymous donor. This Condo project a Habitat women’s build was restored with 80% of the work completed by women. It is now a safe and financially sustainable home for a member of our community. Led by Honorary Build Captain Sue Serino and Build Captains Barb and Amanda we joined women across the Habitat network to build or improve a place to call home.

Our newest home was generously supported by a grant from Hudson Valley Credit Union, the Patrick and Barbara Community Foundation Fund, M & O Sanitation, Main Printing, and many Individuals donors. Providing significant in kind donations N&S Supply and California Closets helped create a beautiful home for Romi. The dedicated efforts of our many volunteers, and these donors make possible this safe and financially sustainable home for Romi.

Maureen Brennen Lashlee, CEO stated, “Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside subcontractors and volunteers. This “skin in the game” model helps families new to home ownership understand the construction of their homes and be a better home owner. Because their families mortgage is based on their income there is a funding gap between our cost to build and their mortgage. Generous community donors help fill the gap with cash and in kind assistance.”

Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County is a nonprofit housing developer working here in Dutchess County. They are part of a global network of 1100 affiliates across the US and 70 other countries. Their shared vision is for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat Dutchess built, rehabilitated, and repaired over 250 owner occupied homes and provided home buying education to over 500 residents, many of whom will become homeowners.

Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County (HFHDC) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization dedicated to building homes, communities, and hope. Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; advocacy for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman, and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. 
For more information visit www.habitatdutchess.org.