Hudson River Housing Adjusting to Aid Homeless Community Members

As the days go on and we get closer and closer to the point of being instructed to shelter in place, what does that mean for those in the community who truly have no place to shelter.

Hudson River Housing Inc., according to their mission, provides a continuum of services that improves lives and communities through housing with compassion and development with vision.  They create pathways out of homelessness through empowerment, education, and advocacy, and strengthen communities by developing and preserving affordable housing and creating opportunities for people and places to thrive.

In speaking with Elizabeth Celaya, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Hudson River Housing, we learned that members of the Dutchess County community who are in need of emergency shelter, or those who assist them, are to be directed to 150 N Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie - this begins Saturday at 6:30pm.  The shelter is currently operational, and under normal structure, until then at the 313 Mill Street location.

They will be utilizing the pods Friday, but will still do screening at the Family Partnership Center (29 N Hamilton Street) on Friday. Through Friday, all normal shelter procedures and protocols stay in place. Beginning Saturday, March 21st, all those in need should go directly to 150 N Hamilton Street.

While many of us are hearing messages of "stay home", what does that mean for people who don't have a home? Who don't have a place to stockpile supplies, or to wash their hands whenever they want? Our housing insecure population has always been more susceptible during times of crisis. We are lucky to have an incredibly committed team at Hudson River Housing that cares deeply for our neighbors all the time, and especially during times like these.

Hudson River Housing is desperately in need of is supplies such as personal protective equipment (gloves, etc) and cleaning supplies.  If you are interested in donating supplies, please call ahead to 845 454 5176. The  M-F 8:30-4:30. We're only taking cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, protective equipment, and nonperishable food. (no clothes, etc).

They are also welcoming donations to help feed and house neighbors during this time.  For donation information please click here.