NEWBURGH – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh has dedicated its 98th, 99th and 100th homes to three families to commemorate its landmark 20th anniversary.
As natives of Newburgh, Habitat Newburgh’s Executive Director Matt Arbolino and M&T Bank President Mark Stellwag were over the moon about the occasion. M&T Bank in Fishkill sponsored the 100th home, which went to the family of Newburgh resident Asuncion Lopes.
“It’s special to see the growth of the community,” said Stellwag. “They’re giving back to the community I was raised in, and that makes you feel good.”
“As someone who was born and raised in Newburgh, this means a lot,” said Arbolino. “I was actually in school when Habitat Newburgh started, and to have done 100 houses in 20 years is pretty impressive and a sign that we’re not going anywhere.”
Having lived 28 years in the City of Newburgh, Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey was elated to see three more families earn homes in the area.
“To see this speaks to the revitalization of our city,” he said. “We’re celebrating 100 homes that they’ve renovated in our city. I cannot speak enough praises for this organization.”
Gelacio Telactapa is one of the homeowners of the 100th home, and he could not be more thankful for Habitat Newburgh’s efforts.
“I’m really grateful that I’m over here with the 100th house that me and my family built with the help of Habitat,” he said. “They taught us things that I didn’t know.”
Each of the homeowners spoke in Spanish with an English translator to express thanks for the generosity of Habitat Newburgh before receiving keys from the sponsors of their homes.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh was founded on October 1, 1999 by a group of three dedicated volunteers. Since then, thousands of volunteers, churches, businesses, schools, foundations, and other groups have donated their money and time to build 100 homes in the city of Newburgh for deserving families.
