Hello, I hope this annual newsletter finds you well!
Dynamism is a hallmark of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, an organization that for nearly 25 years has fully embraced challenge, change, growth, and opportunity, and emerged stronger and better able to serve our community. That dynamism was in overdrive in 2024!
As founding members of our leadership team recently retired after 20+ years, we have welcomed new leaders to our ranks: Director of Finance & Administration, Greg Castro; Director of Development & Communications, Manda Martin; Director of Performing Arts & Community Programming, Ken Martinez; and Director of Ann Street Gallery, Alison McNulty. Each has brought unique expertise, fresh eyes, and new ideas to Safe Harbors, strengthening our programs, deepening our engagement with our neighbors, partners, and collaborators, and growing our impact on the community we serve. Read on to learn more about what we’ve accomplished together this year!
2024 has also seen a major evolution of our physical spaces. The scaffolding and construction fence around our building is a signal of multiple projects underway simultaneously: a multi-million-dollar rehabilitation of the Safe Harbors Cornerstone Residence; a refurbishment of our Lobby at the Ritz performance space to better support both artists and audiences; and redevelopment work in the Ritz Theater that has pushed us closer than we have been in half a century to re-opening those theater doors. Safe Harbors Green also got a glow up this season, with cosmetic improvements to its plantings, fresh decking on the stage, and a newly-paved patio area for performers and community members!
Alongside all this activity and construction, we have been making strides toward providing new and desperately needed affordable housing in the City of Newburgh. Partnering with seasoned developer Bronx Pro Group, we are expanding our footprint with the creation of 55 new affordable apartments at 69-79 William Street for families in our community, reducing blight and breathing new life into this historic neighborhood.
Next year will mark Safe Harbors’ 25th anniversary of working in, with, and for the City of Newburgh, and our commitment to our mission and vision for the future is as strong as it was on day one. We believe that affordable housing co-located and integrated with visual and performing arts, community engagement, and environmental justice is vital to a downtown revitalization that centers people in solutions and supports development without displacement.
Thank you for sharing in that work as neighbors, partners, collaborators, champions, and friends. Stay tuned as we plan for Safe Harbors’ Silver Jubilee in 2025! We look forward to celebrating with you!