Planning Department’s Anne Saylor Honored with Hudson River Housing’s Community Builder Award

Poughkeepsie, NY… Hudson River Housing, Inc. (HRH) honored Anne Saylor, Community Development Administrator with the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, with its 2020 Community Builder Award at the non-profit organization’s “An Evening at Home” virtual fundraising event on Wednesday evening.

Having worked for the Department of Planning and Development for 31 years, Ms. Saylor currently oversees the County’s administration of federal initiatives such as the HOME Investment Partnerships program, which funds a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership; the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides annual grants to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income individuals; and the Continuum of Care, which provides direct rental assistance to homeless, low-income individuals.

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “There is no greater proponent for affordable housing and expanding opportunities to help Dutchess County residents find permanent homes than Anne Saylor. Countless residents throughout our community have the affordable housing options our County has worked to make available to them, and many now live in units we worked tirelessly to bring to Dutchess County. Every resident of every income level deserves safe and affordable housing, and the residents of Dutchess County can thank Anne for her passion for expanding those opportunities and providing more options for residents in search of quality housing.”

Earlier this year, County Executive Molinaro announced more than $2 million in CDBG and Home grant awards to local municipalities and non-profit organizations, including more than $1 million for housing projects throughout the County. Ms. Saylor, among others, reviews the CDBG and HOME program applications and makes recommendations to the County Executive for funding.

Ms. Saylor said, “I thank Hudson River Housing for this recognition, though providing safe, quality and affordable housing options for the residents of Dutchess County is its own reward. Under the guidance of County Executive Molinaro and Planning and Development Commissioner Eoin Wrafter, our department has been given the direction and resources to work to grow the County’s stock of affordable housing, resulting in even more residents being able to move into units in which to live and raise their families. Our community can be proud of the strides made to benefit residents in search of affordable housing, and I appreciate Hudson River Housing’s acknowledgement of those efforts.”

HRH is dedicated to building strong, sustainable communities by developing and preserving quality affordable housing and helping families and individuals obtain and maintain housing through education, advocacy and support services. The organization affirms that housing is a basic human right that should be available to all, regardless of income, family makeup, physical or mental health issues, or any other defining factors. HRH works towards inclusive neighborhood revitalization by leveraging affordable housing and community building as critical tools, creating long-term opportunity for individuals and families and building greater socio-economic resilience in the City of Poughkeepsie and throughout Dutchess County and the greater Hudson Valley.

HRH Executive Director Christa Hines said, “For decades, Anne has been an advocate for affordable housing in Dutchess County. She has long carried the torch for the critical need to ensure safe, quality, affordable housing for everyone. Today, as we see in stark relief the importance of a home for all, the value of her steadfast dedication is in full evidence. Anne is a true leader, combining a balanced focus on facts and a no-nonsense approach to her work with a passion for doing the right thing, and she gets the job done for our communities.”