bard college and hudson river housing announce new partnership to preserve housing services in
columbia county
Hudson River Housing, Local Organization with over 40 years of Proven Experience Will Administer the Rural Preservation Company Formerly Controlled by Galvan Housing Resources
for immediate release
ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—Bard College announced today a partnership with Hudson River Housing, Inc. (HRH) to affiliate in the administration of the work done by the Rural Preservation Company (RPC) formerly performed under Galvan Housing Resources. The Rural Preservation Company facilitates the Home Improvement Program, which provides financial assistance in the cost of home improvement for qualified residents, and the Home Ownership Protection Program, which helps homeowners prevent foreclosure. The RPC also provides a range of housing counseling and community preservation services to assist residents throughout the region. There are currently 59 Rural Preservation Companies operating throughout New York State, with one RPC operating per county. Given its 40 years of experience in preserving quality affordable housing, Hudson River Housing is the ideal partner in administering Columbia County’s RPC. This partnership gives HRH, with its stellar reputation in community development and strong track record on housing security in Dutchess County, the opportunity to extend their longstanding, impactful work in housing protection to Columbia County.
Rural Preservation Companies (RPC) are community-based nonprofit organizations that utilize state and federal grants to provide a variety of housing assistance programs in rural communities, such as home improvement and rehabilitation, emergency repair grants, weatherization, housing counseling, first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, community preservation.
The announcement builds on a landmark gift made to Bard in 2025 by Galvan Foundation, a longtime community development leader in Hudson. The gift, representing both organizations’ commitment to advancing the common good, includes a large portfolio of affordable housing properties, mixed-income housing units, single-family homes, and reinvigorated commercial and public-use properties in Hudson.
“Galvan Foundation’s gift provided Bard the opportunity to expand its commitment as a private institution serving the public good, and we are proud to now be able to continue this work through a collaborative partnership with Hudson River Housing” said Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Taun Toay. “Hudson River Housing has deep experience in the space and are the right partners to see through this commitment.”
“We are very proud of this partnership with Bard and are deeply committed to preserving and expanding these valuable housing resources to the residents and communities of Columbia County,” said Hudson River Housing’s President and CEO, Christa Hines.
“This new partnership between Bard and Hudson River Hudson is great news for Hudson and Columbia County,” said Joseph Ferris, Mayor of Hudson. “With four decades in the affordable housing universe, in Hudson River Housing’s new role as the county’s Rural Preservation Company, they will be able to do the critical work demanded by our area’s housing crisis. Whether it is financial assistance for home improvements, housing counseling, or community preservation, HRH will be there for our neighbors when their help is needed. My office welcomes HRH to Hudson and looks forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”
In an effort to strengthen housing stability while expanding access to critical housing services for residents of Columbia County, Bard College is proud to announce this partnership with Hudson River Housing.
About Hudson River Housing
Hudson River Housing (HRH) has served the Hudson Valley for more than 40 years and 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 supportive services. HRH’s mission is to ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing that meets their needs, regardless of income, family makeup, race or ethnicity, physical or mental health issues, or any other defining factor. HRH supports 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. HRH’s work extends throughout the Hudson Valley, providing rental, homeownership and supportive housing resources for people of all ages and communities of all types and sizes. For more information, visit hudsonriverhousing.org.
About Bard College
Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place and Massena properties, Bard’s campus consists of more than 1,200 parklike acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs; advanced degrees through 14 graduate programs; 10 early colleges; and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 166-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal arts education. The undergraduate program at the main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.
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(09/29/26)
Media Contacts:
Bard College
Jennifer Strodl
Director of Communications
845-758-7015
Hudson River Housing, Christa Hines (CEO/President)
Nicole M. Morris, Director of Development and Communications
nmorris@hudsonriverhousing.org
845-454-5176 Ext. 117
Hudson River Housing and Unshattered, iNC Launches…
A New Recovery-to-Independence Pathway for women in the Hudson valley!
RELEASED SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
Two of the Hudson Valley's leading nonprofit organizations have joined forces to create a complete pathway from crisis to long-term independence. Hudson River Housing, Inc. and Unshattered, Inc. today announced a strategic partnership that integrates supportive housing with healing-centered employment, creating a coordinated continuum of care that helps women not only recover from addiction, but build stable, purposeful, and self-sustaining lives.
For decades, women rebuilding after addiction have often encountered a fragmented system. Safe housing is essential, but it is often temporary. Employment creates opportunity, but without stable housing, many women never have the chance to succeed. By intentionally connecting these services, Hudson River Housing and Unshattered are closing one of the most significant gaps in long-term recovery.
About Hudson River Housing
Hudson River Housing has served the Hudson Valley for more than 40 years and 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. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing that meets their needs, regardless of income, family makeup, race or ethnicity, physical or mental health issues, or any other defining factors.
About Unshattered
Since 2016, Unshattered has helped women in recovery rebuild their lives through healing-centered employment, workforce development, leadership training, and personal growth. The organization's long-term outcomes demonstrate that when women have meaningful work, supportive relationships, and opportunities to grow, they achieve lasting sobriety and economic stability.
A True Pipeline of Opportunity
Hudson River Housing will provide dedicated housing for women participating in Unshattered's employment and development programs, removing one of the greatest barriers to expanding Unshattered's impact. At the same time, women engaged through Hudson River Housing will gain direct access to Unshattered's employment pathway, creating opportunities to build job skills, confidence, financial stability, and long-term careers.
"Recovery isn't complete when someone finds housing or gets a job. It only becomes durable when women have the stability to heal, meaningful work that restores confidence, and a community that believes in their future. This partnership creates that pathway."
— Unshattered CEO and Founder Kelly Lyndgaard
Together, the organizations are investing not only in individual lives, but in the long-term health of the Hudson Valley.
$150,000
Economic analysis estimates that every woman who successfully completes Unshattered's program creates approximately $150,000 in net positive economic benefit for the region through increased employment, reduced reliance on public systems, and greater civic and community participation.
The results extend far beyond employment.
Women become financially independent. They maintain sobriety. They strengthen families. They become trusted employees, dependable neighbors, engaged community members, and emerging leaders. Two Unshattered program graduates have already been recognized by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce as 40 Under 40 honorees, evidence of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to thrive.
"This partnership reflects what happens when organizations stop thinking about individual programs and start building complete solutions. Together we're creating a stronger system of support that gives women the opportunity to move beyond survival toward lasting independence."
— Christa Hines, CEO and President of Hudson River Housing
sustainable opportunities, and communities willing to invest in people's futures.
Rather than asking women to navigate disconnected services, Hudson River Housing and Unshattered are creating one coordinated journey from homelessness and addiction to stable housing, meaningful employment, personal growth, and long-term belonging. Together, the organizations are demonstrating that lasting recovery is built through strong partnerships, sustainable opportunities, and communities willing to invest in people's futures.
For More Information
Unshattered, Kelly Lyndgaard (Founder/CEO)
Hudson River Housing, Christa Hines (CEO/President)