SCHENECTADY, NY (March 30, 2026) – Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County will begin its 67th home on March 31st with the delivery of the first of three new modular homes planned for the street. The new homes, located on the site of a former warehouse that was demolished by the Capital Region Land Bank, will be the first modular home project undertaken by Habitat.
“Habitat for Humanity is pleased to partner with the City of Schenectady, the Land Bank/Metroplex, and Bill Lake Modular Homes to bring three new, beautiful and affordable homes to Rankin Avenue. Our partner families and volunteers have been waiting for this moment and we share their excitement.” said Kathy Fernandez, Executive Director.
Richard Ruzzo, Chair of the Land Bank Board and Deputy Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said “The Land Bank continues to support our housing partners because everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The need is great, and collaboration helps us rise to the challenge and deliver quality housing that strengthens our neighborhoods.”
“The City of Schenectady continues to invest in Habitat for Humanity’s important work, in this case demolishing an eyesore with the Land Bank and then committing CDBG funds to create new homeownership opportunities for city residents,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.
In 2023, the Capital Region Land Bank and City of Schenectady worked together to demolish a long vacant and deteriorated warehouse on Rankin Avenue. The new homes to be built at the site are funded by a Land Bank Initiative grant, City of Schenectady CDBG and HOME funds, as well as private donations to Habitat. The homes will be cape-style with four bedrooms and one and a half baths. Habitat’s Family Services Coordinator is working with several potential families from an extensive wait list who want to live in the new homes. All Habitat partner families must complete homebuyer education and financial counseling with a HUD-certified counselor, apply and qualify for a mortgage, and complete 200 hours of work toward completing new Habitat Homes.
About Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc. is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat is a globally recognized nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian housing organization that serves Schenectady County. The organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Additional information is available at www.schenectadyhabitat.org.
About the Capital Region Land Bank.
In 2012 Schenectady County, the City of Schenectady, and City of Amsterdam partnered to establish the Capital Region Land Bank. The Land Bank’s mission is to strengthen neighborhoods by mitigating blight. The Land Bank is a 501 C (3) nonprofit administered by Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.