Dyson Foundation Awards Grants to Hudson River Housing and RUPCO for Affordable Housing Pre-Development Needs

[Poughkeepsie, NY] – [January 30, 2025] Hudson River Housing Inc., and RUPCO, Inc., are honored to be selected by the Dyson Foundation as recipients of $500,000 each in grant funding to support affordable housing pre-development expenses. This $1 million total community investment highlights the Dyson Foundation’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis as it offers an innovative solution to accelerate the progress of affordable housing development projects in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

The path to affordable housing development begins long before construction in what is termed the “pre-development phase” where costs such as site surveys, environmental assessments, and architectural plans must be covered. The ability for a developer to cover these expenses often determines whether or not a project can move forward into the next phase. Without access to flexible funding, opportunities to advance housing projects are often delayed or lost completely.

“These grants will pave the way to new development projects and greater housing stability in the region,” commented Christa Hines, President and CEO of Hudson River Housing. “This innovative funding from the Dyson Foundation is setting the stage for a powerful response to the housing crisis.”

With these grants, Hudson River Housing and RUPCO will increase their capacity to advance multiple housing projects simultaneously and expedite the development process to see more projects to completion annually. With this collaborative effort, the Dyson Foundation, Hudson River Housing, and RUPCO are laying the groundwork for future development to ensure residents of the Mid-Hudson Valley have ample access to safe and affordable housing in the years to come.

“This helps us not just to build homes – we’re building hope and opportunity,” adds Christa Hines. “Words cannot describe what this investment will mean to our work and communities we proudly serve.”

“With the Dyson Foundation’s visionary grants, we are breaking down barriers that too often halt progress before it begins,” said Kevin O’Connor, CEO of RUPCO. “These funds will empower us to move housing projects forward with greater speed and impact, creating vibrant communities and ensuring more families in the Mid-Hudson Valley have access to the homes they deserve.

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About Hudson River Housing, Inc.
Hudson River Housing has been a cornerstone of the Hudson Valley community for over 40 years, committed to providing safe, affordable housing and supportive services for individuals and families. From emergency shelters to homeownership initiatives, HRH fosters stability, inclusivity, and growth for everyone in the region.

About RUPCO, Inc.
RUPCO creates homes, supports people, and improves communities across a broad spectrum of community development solutions, including housing, historic preservation, and neighborhood revitalization in the Hudson Valley. RUPCO creates and maintains quality, sustainable housing and rental opportunities, inspires understanding and acceptance of affordable housing initiatives, and champions pathways to opportunity. For more information, visit www.rupco.org