Bard College and Local Nonprofit Hudson River Housing Announce New Partnership to Preserve Housing Services in Columbia County

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
[email protected]

Hudson River Housing
Nicole M. Morris
Director of Development and Communications 
[email protected]
845-454-5176 Ext. 117

 

This event was last updated on 09-29-2026

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