POUGHKEEPSIE – Groundbreaking for a brand new home took place Wednesday afternoon on Marshall Street in Poughkeepsie. Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County hosted a brief ceremony that included remarks from state and local elected officials.
Welcoming remarks from State Senator Rob Rolison, who attended several Habitat groundbreakings during his tenure as mayor of Poughkeepsie, were provided. He stressed the need for stronger community bonds to help the city. “Home ownership is both challenging and rewarding and it also helps build stronger communities with a heightened sense of pride.” Rolison’s remarks were echoed by Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson who also commended Habitat for Humanity for their tireless work in helping people achieve the American dream of home ownership.
Poughkeepsie Mayor Marc Nelson greeted the future owner of the house, saying, “Welcome to Poughkeepsie,” before giving an overview of the ongoing improvements taking place throughout the city. He told the new homeowner, Bola, the mother of two girls, that if everything goes according to schedule, there will be a new facility at the Pulaski Pool just down the street that her family will be able to enjoy.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Maureen Brennan Lashlee noted that it takes a lot of pieces working together to make the house rise from the ground. “Donations of resources, experience, and time help a lot,” she said while thanking a number of corporate sponsors that subsidize projects such as Marshall Street. “Habitat for Humanity is a partnership. Habitat’s homeowner families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates with a financially sustainable mortgage. Community financial support will help families continue building with Habitat in your community and around the world.”
The city’s Social Development Director, Jaclyn Greenwald spoke to Mid-Hudson News about the relationship between her office and Habitat for Humanity. “The main goal and priority as Social Development director is to invest Community Development Block Grant funds in organizations, like Habitat, whose primary mission is to give back and create opportunity, strength, and resilience within the community,” she said. “The city proudly supports program initiatives that create a meaningful and positive impact for its residents.”
The foundation for the Marshall Street home is expected to be poured on Friday, October 20. The entire home is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of the year.
