Leviticus Fund Honors Nonprofit’s Work in Hudson Valley Communities
In the building trades, the cornerstone guides the workers in their course; it is the standard of measure and alignment. The Leviticus Fund presented its 2022 Cornerstone Award to Kingston-based nonprofit RUPCO and its Chief Executive Officer, Kevin O’Conner, in recognition of its strong leadership and service to Hudson Valley communities.
“Kevin’s vision and creativity and RUPCO’s can-do approach are rooted in a deep respect for local voices,” said Greg Maher, Executive Director of the Leviticus Fund. “Their tremendous community-building achievements in Kingston and the region are a testament to their determination to listen and to work effectively on the ground.”
In November of 1981, RUPCO was formed as Ulster County’s Community Action Agency program as part of a statewide rollout of neighborhood and rural preservation programs. Through the years, they have expanded their geographical reach and breadth of services while staying true to their mission – to create homes, support people and improve communities.
Since 2017, the Leviticus Fund has made lending commitments of $6,130,000 to RUPCO, creating or preserving 148 affordable or supportive housing units, and helping people in Ulster and Orange Counties. Leviticus recently approved a $3.85 million pre-development/acquisition loan for the purchase of the former Quality Inn on Route 28 the Town of Ulster for conversion to permanent and emergency affordable housing.
RUPCO will partner with Family of Woodstock, Inc; and Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster to provide onsite supportive services for families and individuals.
“No one in our community should go homeless, ever,” said O’Conner. “With Leviticus as a lending partner, we’re doing everything we can to assist our most vulnerable neighbors. It’s a great honor to receive the Cornerstone Award from Leviticus, and I’m pleased to share it with everyone at RUPCO.”
Pictured Above: Located at 20 Cedar Street in Kingston, Energy Square is the first net-zero affordable housing development in Upstate New York.
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The Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund is rooted in faith and the call for economic justice. The Fund provides flexible capital, expertise, and advocacy to propel the growth of more equitable communities. Leviticus creates opportunities for vulnerable, low-income people – especially those harmed by systemic racial and ethnic discrimination – to thrive and live with dignity. For more information, visit www.leviticusfund.org
RUPCO creates homes, supports people, and improves communities across a broad spectrum of community development solutions, including housing, historic preservation, and neighborhood revitalization in the Hudson Valley. RUPCO creates and maintains quality, sustainable housing and rental opportunities, inspires understanding and acceptance of affordable housing initiatives, and champions pathways to opportunity. For more information, visit www.rupco.org
