Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh was one of many affiliates that joined in the Capitol Build Day in Albany on Tuesday, May 24.

The purpose of Capitol Build Day is for families to build their equity and experience its benefits from a generational, health and educational view. Over two dozen affiliates met at West Capitol Park in Albany where they worked and built a frame for a house. The frame will be transported to Glens Falls.

Additionally, Habitat for Humanity was seeking $200 million for the creation or preservation of 1000 plus homes in the state. This money would help in the assistance of property and project development, acquisitions of land and remediation work for nonprofit organizations and developers.

In attendance for the build were volunteers, state lawmakers, elected officials from the Senate and Assembly and varying departments joined in building the frame and to raise the importance of affordable housing.

“The framing of a Habitat home at our capitol was a demonstration of what can be accomplished when we build together. Across the state, we have a substantial need for affordable homeownership. Funding such as the $400 million New York State has allocated will allow us to keep up with inflation and increasing building costs, as well as potentially increase our production of safe, affordable homeownership opportunities,” said Matt Arbolino, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.

Within the last five years in New York State, Habitat partners and affiliates have helped build and repair 687 homes. Within the next five years, the hope is that number will increase two to three times more with the available funding.