The Spark of Hudson is a community organization dedicated to sparking curiosity and nurturing a thriving community where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.
Support our mission to create opportunities and ignite positive change in our community—every contribution makes a difference!
Our major community initiatives focus on affordable housing (Hudson Dots), a small city universal basic income pilot (HudsonUP), communal housing for healthcare students (HudsonNEST), and a skilled trades educational and workforce development program (HudsonSTEP). Our new headquarters - The Spark Building at 502 Union Street - is the home of Circles bagels, our dynamic coworking space CoLab, and a variety of beautifully designed spaces available for community events and gatherings.
Ignite Change: Help to support our Thriving Community!
Dear Friend of The Spark,
At The Spark of Hudson, we are dedicated to creating a community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Through initiatives like affordable housing with Hudson Dots, universal basic income with HudsonUP, and workforce development through HudsonSTEP, we are sparking positive change and empowering our neighbors.
Your support makes all the difference. By donating today, you help us continue building a more vibrant, equitable community where curiosity is nurtured and opportunities are created. Join us in making a lasting impact—every gift matters!
With gratitude,
The Spark of Hudson Team
Programs/Initiatives
Together, we can spark a brighter future—thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of community.
HudsonUP: HudsonUP is our flagship initiative, which serves as a pilot program for Universal Basic Income (UBI) in Hudson, New York. As part of this pioneering project, 128 residents of the City of Hudson receive a guaranteed monthly income of $500 for five years. This initiative is not just about financial support; it's about transforming lives and creating a brighter future for our community.
Since its inception in 2021, our research team has seen increased employment, improved emotional and physical wellbeing, enhanced financial security and stronger relationships within the community, notable increases in full and part-time employment rates, higher self-reported savings, and steady improvements in overall health among participants.
HudsonDots: HudsonDots is our innovative housing initiative that dots affordable homes throughout the city, creating stable and sustainable housing solutions. By preserving quality affordable housing, we make Hudson a place where all residents can thrive. In just eight months, HudsonDOTS has purchased nine properties in the City of Hudson, including houses requiring renovation, all with the aim of improving housing quality and preventing displacement of residents.
HudsonSTEP: HudsonSTEP (Hudson Skilled Trades Education Program) is an initiative in partnership with the Eutopia Foundation, Columbia-Greene Community College, and Build Hudson, an innovative contracting firm committed to workforce development. This transformative program offers one-year workforce training in building construction technology, equipping prospective students with both technical and communication skills crucial for thriving in the construction industry. The program covers tuition and fees and provides job placement assistance, setting a precedent for similar programs in other communities.
HudsonNEST: HudsonNEST is a supportive community aimed at nurturing future healthcare professionals. We welcome applications from dedicated students who are ready to take advantage of this unique opportunity!
HudsonNEST is a communal housing program for students enrolled in healthcare programs local to Hudson. Applications are now open for September 2024.