Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh celebrated the dedication of its 105th house on Thursday, October 5 with friends, supporters and the new family homeowners. The new home, sponsored by Unity Build, is located at 139 Johnston Street in Newburgh.

“We are excited to be here to share in this journey with Blanca, Rogelio and their family and their supporters. This house has come together because of multiple folks, multiple organizations and multiple support,” said Habitat Newburgh Executive Director Jill Marie.

Several partners of this build included the Newburgh Youthbuild group, the Unity Build group, the volunteers and the family themselves. The family themselves also completed many of their required classes and worked closely with the Habitat Newburgh team during the period of COVID to ensure that they would be able to have a home of their own. Now two years later, it is ready to be occupied and enjoyed.

John Redman, Pastor of Union Presbyterian Church and representative of the Unity Build community, a group of various religions denominations and faiths, presented the keys to the new home, which was followed by applause and cheers. Several guests of the celebration included City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, Senator Rob Rolison, City Councilmembers Bob Sklarz and Giselle Martinez and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson.

In 2022, the site served as the backdrop of a Habitat Newburgh press conference announcing the donation of $2 million by American author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The $2 million was part of a larger pledge of $436 million to various charity organizations and Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

“I’m just very grateful. I’m feeling so grateful today, so blessed that we were able to put this together,” said Marie. “It started out as a project during COVID, and here two years later, we’ve actually been able to move the family in.” “It’s not about building a house, it is about building a community,” said Habitat Newburgh Board President Paul Brothe. “A lot to do, but we’re ready for it.”

For more information on volunteering and the Habitat Newburgh program, the Habitat Newburgh office is located at 125 Washington Street, Newburgh, NY and is available at 845.568.6035 or at habitatnewburgh.org.