Categories: New York State, Openings
01.22.2026
Over twenty years ago I moved to the Town of Bethlehem to begin working for the Supportive Housing Network of New York. Pretty soon, I realized that there wasn’t any supportive housing here. This all changed with the ribbon cutting on January 20th of Hudson on Nine, a 72-unit affordable and supportive housing residence, with 12 units of supportive housing for disabled military veterans facing homelessness. On-site services are provided by Soldier On, funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) and administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Soldier On Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buckley praised ESSHI, and is fighting for a similar program to be started in Massachusetts.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Regional Director of Development Darren Scott reported that NIMBY delays cost 4 years and $8 million extra. He remarked, “We’re going to stick with anybody who is facing NIMBY opposition to get these things done for the folks who live around here.”
United Tenants of Albany Founder Maria Markovics was instrumental in fighting the community opposition. She is a legendary hero and community activist in the town of Bethlehem and had the well-deserved honor of cutting the ribbon marking a new chapter for veterans in need.
Major thanks to David VanLuven, Town Supervisor for never giving up on Hudson on Nine and providing homes to veterans in need of stable housing.