The Spark of Hudson launches HudsonDots
We are super excited to share this new initiative!
Here’s the press release:
For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Kelly Crimmins
Project Director
office@hudsondots.org
The Spark of Hudson announces launch of HudsonDots, an affordable housing program
HUDSON, NY - The Spark of Hudson has launched HudsonDots, an affordable housing program with a community-centered approach, located in Hudson, NY. HudsonDots aims to ensure warm and welcoming homes for our community, stabilize rents, and create additional affordable housing. Newly acquired, multiple-unit houses “dot the Hudson landscape – hence the name, HudsonDots,” explains Susan Danziger, Founder of The Spark of Hudson.
According to Hudson Housing Justice Director, Michelle Tullo, “HudsonDots is an exciting initiative because it is offering our residents housing stability while improving housing quality.” She adds: “Over the past few years we've seen a lot of rental housing flipped and converted into vacation rentals or luxury apartments. Not only is HudsonDots preventing displacement of residents, but it's upgrading the quality and gently increasing the rental housing supply."
In the past eight months, nine properties in the City of Hudson have been purchased, which include houses that require serious renovation as well as others that require minimal work, intended for relocation. Residents have started moving into previously vacant, restored, and freshly painted houses that include new furniture selected by each resident and purchased by HudsonDots.
HudsonDots houses are being renovated by Build Hudson, a new company that hires and trains Hudson residents in building construction. Danziger explains, “We are proud to be Build Hudson’s first customer. It’s a ground-breaking job-training initiative that supports local youth/young adults; trains them with marketable skills; and ensures that funds for construction stay in the community.”
HudsonDots is also joining forces with such local organizations as the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood (GHPN) to support the residents. Joan Hunt, GHPN’s Executive Director, explains: “HudsonDots is addressing Hudson’s affordable housing crisis through a resident-centered, community-driven approach that puts the needs of Hudson community members at the forefront. The Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood is thrilled to be a partner in this important work.”
HudsonDots continues The Spark of Hudson’s work to ensure the Hudson community has secure housing. Previously, The Spark sponsored payment of back rents to landlords throughout Hudson, including the Hudson Housing Authority, to ensure that dozens of families would not be evicted from their homes.
The Spark of Hudson is a hub for learning and community development located in Hudson, NY. HudsonDots is part of The Spark’s on-going mission to learn and respond to community needs. Other initiatives sponsored by The Spark of Hudson in partnership with the Eutopia Foundation include wiping out hospital medical debt for Hudson residents as well as HudsonUP, the first U.S. small city universal basic income (UBI) pilot. For more information on The Spark of Hudson and its associated programs, please contact hello@sparkofhudson.org.
