Lakisha Atkins (podium): “I would like to thank God”
NEWBURGH – Just in time for the holiday season, Habitat for Humanity
of Greater Newburgh, Saturday, dedicated its 95th home in the City of
Newburgh, made with lumber from last year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas
tree.
It is the fourth time that the organization has used donated lumber from
the iconic tree, and dozens of donors and volunteers who contributed to
the construction of the home were present as the home was dedicated to
the family of Newburgh resident Lakisha Atkins.
Atkins expressed to the crowd how blessed she was for finally earning
the right to own a home, a right she has been working hard for since a
gunman tragically took the life of her husband.
“I would like to thank God for sending out so many people who genuinely
support my family,” she said. “I am just a humble woman who
came from humble beginnings, and I refuse to let my faith shake and waver
everything I’ve been through.”
She knows her late husband would be proud of her accomplishment.
“He probably would be crying and overjoyed with happiness,”
she said. “He would give me all the credit for everything.”
Keshone Atkins, her son, also had a chance to speak to the crowd of supporters.
“I appreciate every single person that has worked on this house,”
he said. “I would like to thank all of you for accomplishing something
my mother has always wanted.”
The house was another home that was that was supported by the combined
efforts of PresbyBuild, a coalition of local Presbyterian churches that
sponsored the construction and dedication of this home to the Atkins family.
The family took part in building the home as well, per Habitat for Humanity
of Greater Newburgh’s mission to have families work toward their
dream of owning their own home.
The dedication of Habitat Newburgh’s 95th home comes as a new executive
director has stepped in. Matt Arbolino assumed the role in October from
Cathy Collins, who stepped down in June after eight years with the organization.
Arbolino, who previously was the organization’s Volunteer and Outreach
Coordinator, shared his excitement over his new leadership role.
“I’m still in a bit of disbelief to be working in the same
capacity,” he said. “We’re trying to continue to make
this a collaborative organization that works with the community.”
Habitat Newburgh has more to look forward to in the coming year. New homes
are likely to emerge as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Thus far, 114 families have partnered with the organization to build and
buy their own homes.
