This year, Safe Harbors of the Hudson celebrates 20 years of transforming lives and building community through housing and the arts! Thanks to our partners and donors, we have made significant strides in the past 20 years: we incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; purchased and saved a historic landmark building and transformed it into the Cornerstone Residence, 128 units of affordable, supportive housing for our neighbors coming from homelessness, those living with physical disabilities and mental health diagnoses, veterans, low income working adults and artists in need of affordable live/work space; opened the Ann Street Gallery, the first gallery in the City of Newburgh and a world-class contemporary arts venue; brought live performance back to Broadway in the Lobby at the Ritz; attracted 2 Alices Coffee Lounge and Grit Works to our Broadway commercial spaces; developed Safe Harbors Green a half-acre urban, pollinator park for art, performance, dance, farmers markets and community gatherings; saved the historic Ritz Theater from imminent collapse with the investment of $1.7 million on a new roof and stabilizing frame; and hosted so many community programs we lost count!
Safe Harbors, an innovative, mixed-use project, was pivotal in transforming lower Broadway and has become a model of urban re-development. Our work in the community proves there can be progress without displacement; that equitable access to housing can co-exist with downtown revitalization, jobs creation and economic development.
Twenty years later, with the generous support of our community, Safe Harbors proudly anchors Newburgh’s downtown and continues to grow our impact on the city we serve.