Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh announced to community members and Habitat volunteers and staff that they were the recipients of a donation of $2 million.

This donation was generously given by American author and philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. This donation is part of a pledged $436 million from Scott who is distributing the funds to a variety of charitable organizations and Habitat affiliates.

A press conference was held on Friday, March 25, thanking Scott for her work and donation and to continue the promotion of support and community for Habitat for Humanity.

When Matthew Arbolino, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh learned about the donation from Scott, he said he was absolutely floored.

“When it’s a gift of this size and magnitude, it’s more than just the dollar amount, it’s also the impact and the attention that it’s going to get,” Arbolino said. “This is unbelievable.”

Ray Harvey, President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP] of Newburgh-Highland Falls shared the same sentiment with Arbolino.

“Homeownership is very important for the community. Habitat is here for the people that need it the most,” Harvey said. “I’d just like to congratulate Habitat for the great work that they do and continue to bless our community.”

Funding from this donation will go towards future affordable housing projects and the expansion of Habitat programming.

This donation will also address the rising costs of construction and materials that have risen due to the on-going pandemic.

In attendance for the press conference were City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, Director of Planning and Development Alexandra Church, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh President Paul Brothe, Councilman Robert Sklarz, Councilman Omari Shakur, Councilwoman Giselle Martinez with several volunteers and supporters.

The press conference was held at 139 Johnston St., an active work site for Habitat Newburgh.

“We’re in front of an active construction site, to see them actually building now, building someone’s home that they will own, is just an incredible thing,” Church said. “We’re so excited for Habitat.”

Harvey echoed the support for Habitat as well. “Matt Arbolino and his entire team, the board, they do a great job,” Harvey said. “It’s a great day.”

Last year, Michael Novak of the City of Newburgh first volunteered with Habitat and is enjoying his time working with his fellow volunteers.

“The more I’m here, the more I feel like I’m part of a community, doing something,” Novak said. “I’m grateful to be here.”

Corey Allen, Neighborhood Revitalization Specialist for Habitat, shared that as a lifelong resident of the city he is happy to see the change that Habitat has done.

“I love this city [of Newburgh]. I’m very proud of our organization for the work that we’ve done. I implore everybody, pull up to Habitat, talk to us, ” Allen said.

The Habitat office is located at 125 Washington St, Newburgh, NY and their phone number is 845-568-6035.