Ulster Habitat Stories

Volunteer / Treasurer of the Board Are you from Ulster County originally, or how did you find yourself here? I moved to Ulster County in 1976 as the result of an IBM relocation. Given the choice between working in lower Westchester or Kingston, I chose Ulster County. When and how did you first become acquainted […]

Even when I talk about it now, I get choked up. I’m single, from another country (I’m a U.S. citizen now)—to own a home is a really big deal to me. It’s a big achievement. I’m a homeowner!

To gain a general knowledge of building, as a first time homeowner, is really important. This sweat equity requirement prepares homeowners to be able to maintain their homes in the future.

Some things come in and we don’t know what they are. Ancient tools or someone’s idea of an apple peeler. Often we put things out and the people shopping will come up to us and ask, “What is this?” Then, we say, “It’s whatever you would like it to be.” 

[Ulster Habitat has been] transformative in so many ways. To be able to give my kids a home is really huge for us. For it to be handicap accessible is so much more.

These families have never thought that they would own a home. If it wasn’t for Habitat, they wouldn’t own a home. I love seeing them come back, after they’re all settled in, and listening to them tell stories about their first Christmases, their new schools, and all of their new friends in the neighborhood. 

When the new landlord raised our rent, we said to ourselves: “What are we doing? We have two little kids and we’re going up and down 25 stairs to bring in groceries. We’re paying for someone else’s mortgage."