By Sierra Lewis
Newburgh -
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh held its 11th Annual Walk for Housing at Downing Park on Sunday April 25th. Hundreds of people participated to raise money to eliminate impoverished housing.
"Every dollar we raise today will go towards building safe, decent, and affordable housing for hard working families," said Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh Director of Development, Marci Gurton.
The walk is 5 kilometers, through completed habitat sites in the City of Newburgh, starting and finishing in Downing Park.
"In years past we’ve had about 1,000 walkers," stated Gurton.
The rainy weather didn’t stop hundreds of participants from taking place in the day’s various events.
"There’s hot air balloon rides, face painting, coloring, a live Mariachi band, and the volunteers from Newburgh Free Academy ROTC are here," said Gurton, listing the event’s attractions.
The walk was backed by community sponsors including the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Barton Birks, Jacobowitz and Gubits, Stewart’s Shops, New York Life, Se’lux, among many others.
"The City of Newburgh is a beautiful place, it needs a helping hand right now and because of the leadership of Habitat for Humanity and its great organizational skills, energy, and action, it has made an incredible difference for many families," said Thomas Conroy, sponsor from the Thomas Conroy Allstate Insurance Agency.
Newburgh seems to be the perfect candidate for a renovation from Habitat for Humanity.
"I think it’s plain to anyone that knows Newburgh to see there’s a serious housing crisis. Hundreds of abandoned boarded up buildings attract crime and violence. Over 1,800 low income working families are living in impoverished conditions unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage. We’re giving families a hand up, not a hand out," said Gurton.
Pablo Cruz, one of the first Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh homeowners, was at the event showing his passion for a cause so near to his heart.
"I’m very happy because this is an opportunity for the Newburgh community to see Habitat’s growth. Little by little we’ll keep preparing homes so more families can have the opportunity I had," said Cruz.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh has made tremendous advancements in recent years.
"We’ve created $7.5 million in property values and have over 200 people living in Habitat houses," said Dan Clarino, President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.
City of Newburgh Mayor, Nicholas Valentine, also came out to support the local cause.
"Habitat for Humanity is one of the best organizations in the City of Newburgh, it’s a very professionally run organization that partners well, so they have leveraged to do so much more. They aren’t stopping," said Mayor Valentine.
"It’s not just about the buildings, it’s about the people and stabilizing neighborhoods," Valentine continued.
The event brought Habitat homeowners, sponsors, and community members ranging from the elderly to young children, together for one great cause.
"It’s an echo of support from the community that resonates in the hearts of our homeowners," said Gurton.
