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Gillibrand announces $125K in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates in rural counties

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a $125,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Program for Habitat for Humanity New York State, Inc. (HFH-NYS). The organization’s nine local affiliates throughout Upstate New York will use the funding to get training and technical assistance on board development, family selection and mortgage compliance, finance management, fundraising and resource development as well as energy efficient construction and improvements.

“Access to stable housing is essential for the health of our families and the economic strength of our communities,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Funding for Habitat for Humanity of New York will provide their Upstate New York affiliates with training and technical assistance to better serve those in need of quality housing.”

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and has built quality housing throughout 70 countries for those in need. The New York chapter was chartered in 2007 and works through 53 affiliates throughout New York who have produced more than 1,700 homes and created more than 300 jobs. Habitat for Humanity New York State will use the funding to provide technical assistance and training to nine Habitat affiliates in Upstate New York to help eliminate substandard housing.

The federal funding will be used by the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region; the Columbia County Habitat for Humanity in the Capital region; the Raquette Valley Habitat for Humanity in Watertown; the Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County in Central New York; the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity in the Hudson Valley; as well as the Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, Habitat for Humanity Livingston, Orleans County Habitat for Humanity, and Southeastern Steuben Habitat for Humanity, which are located in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region.

USDA Rural Community Development Initiative grants were developed to assist community-based organizations and low-income rural communities in improving housing, community facilities and economic development projects in rural areas.

Bob Harker

Don't get me wrong- Habitat for Humanity is a noble and worthwhile organization, But if more legislative efforts were made to lower taxes and pit people to work instead of on the dole, we would not Habitat as much as we do.

Jun 18, 2014, 1:49pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

it's the end of the legislative session, Bob. This is when they all hand out checks for things they didn't give a crap about all year, but want you to think they do.

Jun 18, 2014, 2:16pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Regardless of timing and/or source, Habitat for Humanity is a worthy recipient that will wisely put any funding they get to good use. I would encourage everyone to stop in the Restore on Ellicott St. You will be surprised at the available items for sale AND will be putting your dollars directly back into our local community. Even better, if you have a volunteering spirit, there is always help needed to maintain the facilities, make room for merchandise, and just help out in general.

Jun 18, 2014, 2:49pm Permalink
Bob Harker

Good article Dave and yet another lie by obama - remember he was going to END earmarks? The legislation that he supported is another failure.

And good ole Harry:

"Also on Tuesday, Reid, an unapologetic "fan" of earmarks — the special projects lawmakers insert into legislation that are often referred to as pork — lamented their demise"

Jun 18, 2014, 3:11pm Permalink

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