SAUGERTIES, NY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 - Regional housing innovator, RUPCO of Kingston, is hosting its annual Community Lunch on Thursday, October 30 from noon to 2 p.m. at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern, Saugerties. Each year, Community Lunch brings together friends, supporters and community leaders to hear from thought leaders about important issues in the area of housing and community development.
Guest speaker Ted Houghton, newly appointed Executive Deputy Commissioner of NYS Homes & Community Renewal (NYS HCR), delivers the keynote address entitled “supportive housing is the solution.” While executive director of Supportive Housing Network of NY (SHNNY) for eight years, Houghton substantially increased production of supportive housing in New York. In 2012, he helped make supportive housing a pillar of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team initiative and continues to serve on that team. Considered a pioneer of the housing-as-healthcare concept, he brings fresh energy to statewide housing agendas.
“At RUPCO, we believe everyone deserves quality, healthy and sustainable housing at an affordable price,” notes RUPCO CEO, Kevin O’Connor. “Integrating supportive housing for folks with special needs into affordable and mainstream housing removes the stigma often associated with special needs housing. There is a proven connection between creation of supportive housing & its positive impact on people’s lives and the direct benefits to communities in terms of reduced costs & demands on local health care and, law enforcement. Supportive housing increases quality of life, provides for public safety and better health outcomes. Without question, Ted has been at the forefront of the integration of supportive & affordable housing in recent years. His hiring at NYS HCR speaks volumes as to where housing and the funding for affordable & supportive housing is going in New York State. Ted has been a tireless advocate for supportive housing for people with special needs and is now at the pinnacle of the housing is healthcare movement. I invite healthcare providers, hospital workers and caregivers, along with our affordable housing friends, to join us. Community Lunch provides the perfect setting to hear this important message on October 30.”
Community Lunch costs $35 per person and includes a buffet lunch at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern, Saugerties. Corporate and business sponsorships from $100 to $2500 are also available. To purchase tickets or sponsorships online, visit www.rupco-community-lunch.eventbrite.com. For more information or questions about Community Lunch, tickets and sponsorships, visit www.RUPCO.org, call (845) 331-9860 ext. 220 or email Tara Collins, Director of Communication & Resource Development, at tcollins@rupco.org.
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