Continuing a 26-year tradition of walking through the City of Newburgh to raise awareness and funds for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh’s (Habitat Greater Newburgh) mission, the nonprofit is in lockstep this year with Mount Saint Mary College (The Mount) for its annual Walk for Housing. Taking place on Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m., the event – themed “Building Tomorrow Starts at Home” – consists of a 2.5-mile route that will both begin and conclude at the field between Hudson Hall and the soccer field on the Mount’s campus, at 330 Powell Avenue, in Newburgh.
The public is invited to join the walk to raise critical funds for Habitat Greater Newburgh's ongoing home builds, to raise awareness of?its affordable homeownership program, and to show support for local families’ housing struggles. The route will include a curated, history-filled tour of houses built by Habitat Greater Newburgh as well as ongoing construction to remind attendees of what is possible when we come together to build homes, community, and hope. The festivities will kick off with remarks from clergy and key partners and will feature surprises along the course. Walk t-shirts, designed by a Mount student, will be available for purchase, in addition to being given to individuals that contribute more than $20 for the cause. Individual and team registration can be completed online at: https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/36892-walk-for-housing-2025.
“The Mount was an integral partner in the formation of our affiliate organization in 1999, by graciously giving us office space to use,” said Janis Berg, chair of the board at Habitat Greater Newburgh. “That partnership has endured, highlighted by the Mount’s generous donation of two properties, which will enable Habitat Greater Newburgh to engage the community in advancing its mission to create more opportunities for working families to access affordable housing amid the ongoing housing crisis.”
“Like the Dominican Sisters who founded our institution, Mount Saint Mary College has always been committed to serving our local community,” said Fr. Gregoire Fluet, vice president for mission and ministry at The Mount. “With an estimated 21 percent of Newburgh’s population living in poverty, partnering with Habitat Greater Newburgh to create safe, affordable housing is an excellent way to make a lasting impact in our city while honoring the legacy of the Sisters. From community leaders and local residents to our students and faculty, we’re looking forward to an incredible turnout. I encourage everyone to show their support for this important event.”
Sponsors of this year’s Habitat Greater Newburgh Walk for Housing include Impact PR & Communications, RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group, Dr. Koumas, DDS., Wallkill Federal Savings & Loan, Leprechaun Lines, Inc., and Walden Savings Bank.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh brings together people to build homes, communities, and hope. Founded in October of 1999, it has completed 111 decent and affordable homes in one of the most distressed urban areas in the United States and the largest contiguous historic district in New York State. The E. Parmenter Street Neighborhood, a 22-house development on what was formerly one of the most blighted blocks in Newburgh, is now a thriving community of Habitat Greater Newburgh homeowners. To date, 129 families earning between 30-80% of the area median income have demonstrated a willingness to partner with Habitat Newburgh by investing sweat equity into the construction of their homes, participating in required homeowner education classes, and signing a mortgage. Habitat Greater Newburgh homeowners contribute over $550,000 per year in school and city taxes. In addition to its work in this community, Habitat Greater Newburgh has helped over 182 families in Haiti, Ethiopia, India, Jordan, and Mexico secure shelter. Visit its website at habitatnewburgh.org, and follow @habitatnewburgh on Facebook and Instagram.
About Mount Saint Mary College:
Mount Saint Mary College, ranked a Top-Tier University by U.S. News & World Report, offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for careers in healthcare, business, education, social services, communications, media, and the liberal arts. The Mount was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh in 1959, with the Dominican Pillars of service, community, study, and spirituality as their guide. More than six decades later, aiding the community remains a central part of the college’s mission.?
