25th Annual Habitat for Humanity Walk for Housing

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “Community in action is a beautiful thing.”

Janis Berg, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, summed up her lasting impression of Sunday’s 25th Annual Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh’s Walk, raising critical funds while bringing awareness to its unwavering mission: affordable housing. Berg, who had just taken part in the near three mile trek, traversing the streets in the City of Newburgh, while viewing the beautiful Habitat Homes that dotted the route, was further touched by another priceless piece of the day.

“I was inspired by the diversity of the folks walking,” reflected Berg upon her return. “Some were with strollers, and others were with canes; it’s just a great family event, to not only raise funds, but awareness for the work we do in the City of Newburgh.”

Adding to the specialness of this year’s Walk was its new location: Mount Saint Mary College. Partners with and strong supporters of Habitat from its inception, MSMC, recently donated property to the Newburgh Chapter which they will soon begin construction on. That solid partnership made the setting of this year’s Walk even more symbolically meaningful.

“It’s so exciting that the Walk starts and ends here,” said Dr. Robert Gervasi, President MSMC, following his opening remarks to the hundreds of attendees filling the campus lawn.” I want to thank each and every one of our supporters.”

Many of those devoted people who were on hand walking Sunday had the up-close-and-personal opportunity to see the long “sweat equity” and volunteer hours of diligent efforts and fine craftsmanship that went into the many Habitat Homes they passed, adding to not only the physical beauty of their surrounding block, but providing priceless faith in and hope for all who reside there. Despite the incredible successes of the organization, highlighted by over 110 houses built, the ongoing need for affordable housing continues-now more than ever- making this year’s Walk’s raised proceeds of over $15,000 truly appreciated.

It’s a mission supported by many local politicians, including Orange County Legislator, Kevindaryan Lujan, who joined in on the Walk. Pointing to his home along the way, Lujan was full of pride to be taking part in such a positively transformative community cause.
“It’s always really exciting to see people gather in solidarity, supporting a mission of home ownership,” said Lujan. “This Walk is also helping get more advocates, something increasingly important, especially now that so much funding is being cut to places like Habitat.”

One of those longstanding supporters, IBEW 363, who has provided apprentices with community service opportunities doing electric work on Habitat houses, still takes part in projects as they surface. At Sunday’s Walk, they came out in impressive numbers, further solidifying their commitment to the organization they have been with from the start.
“The Union prides itself on giving back to the community where our members live, work and raise families,” said Danielle Hovencamp, Committee Chairperson for the Walk and Board Member for Habitat of Greater Newburgh.”

Community action, partnerships, solidarity, affordable housing and overall growth, they are just some of the things Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh represents and has aspirations to grow each day. All of those things, and so much more, were celebrated at a Walk whose legacy’s roots and treasures run as deep as the organization itself.