Troy Talk Today: Habitat to invest ARPA funds in North Central Troy

On the final 2023 episode of Troy Talk Today, the Troy Now team spoke with executive director Christine Schudde about how Habitat for Humanity will invest a City of Troy American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award into building four brand new, energy efficient homes in North Central Troy.

This episode also features interviews with the Tech Valley Center of Gravy, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Mayor Patrick Madden.

Transcript excerpt:

Christine Schudde: When we heard that we got the ARPA grant, we were thrilled because with this ARPA investment, we'll be able to build four brand new energy efficient houses in North Central Troy.

The ARPA investment is not only allowing Habitat to expand access to homeownership for more of our neighbors, but it's also really reinvesting in the entire neighborhood. So we know from our experience here in Troy, that homeownership not only can help stabilize a family, but can actually stabilize and strengthen the entire block that it’s on.

In every neighborhood where Habitat builds, Habitat houses provide shelter for the family that purchased them, of course, but they also really strengthen the fabric of that neighborhood.

We know that neighborhoods with higher rates of homeownership tend to also see lower rates of crime, they tend to see more investment from their other neighbors, and actually, homeownership is one of the key markers that attracts businesses to the neighborhood too. So it can be an economic development engine as well. We're thrilled to be able to build even more in Troy and to have a greater impact here with ARPA funds.

Interested in purchasing a Habitat home in Troy?

Applications for homes in North Central Troy will open in spring 2024. Read more about Habitat’s homeownership model and sign up to be notified when applications open.