LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Habitat for Humanity upon the occasion
of constructing its 50th home in Schenectady County to commence in June
of 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations and individuals within our
midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life
therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary organizations it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This summer, Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County will
reach a major milestone as the organization begins construction on its
50th home; and
WHEREAS, As one of 1,500 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity Interna-
tional, Schenectady Habitat is a nonprofit organization that works
throughout Schenectady County to bring generous donors and hardworking
volunteers together with qualified, working families; the result is
dramatic, positive differences in the lives of family members and in
neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Schenectady Habitat has a long-standing reputation of working
to eradicate poverty housing and to help provide low-income, working-
class families with safe, decent and affordable homes within its commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Since 1993, Schenectady Habitat has been dedicated to elimi-
nating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating
and preserving homes, as well as by advocating for fair and just housing
policies, and by providing training and access to resources to help
families improve their housing conditions; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Executive Director, Madelyn
Thorne, Board President, Miriam Cajuste, Construction Manager, James
Gekakis, and Community Relations Manager, Karen McLane, Schenectady
Habitat enables non-home owning families the opportunity to own a home
for about the same amount as they would pay for an apartment; and
WHEREAS, To date, Schenectady Habitat has helped 46 families achieve
home ownership; by the end of 2016, its volunteers will complete five
more homes for deserving families; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization constructs quality houses that are
sold to home buyer families through no-profit loans; home buyers
complete 400 sweat-equity hours and other requirements, pay for their
homes and all upkeep, and maintain current payments on their properties;
and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Habitat for Humanity of Sche-
nectady County brings people together to build homes, communities and
hope; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Habitat for Humanity upon the occasion of constructing its 50th
home in Schenectady County to commence in June of 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County.