HCHC Partners With 411 Advocacy & Resources to Help Tenants Navigate the Housing Crisis Across the Capital Region and Hudson Valley
August 10, 2026, Albany, Hudson, and Catskill, NY — As rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable homes continue to push more residents toward housing instability and homelessness, the Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition (HCHC) is collaborating with Four-One-One Advocacy & Resources (411) to launch a new tenant advocacy and hotline initiative connecting tenants with housing navigation, advocacy support, and referrals to critical resources.
The initiative will provide hotline intake and triage, housing navigation support, limited tenant advocacy, and referral coordination for residents seeking help with housing-related concerns.
The launch comes as homelessness continues to rise in communities across the region. A recent report found that homelessness increased in 17 of New York State’s 25 regional Continuums of Care, with the Columbia-Greene region experiencing one of the largest increases in the state at nearly 60%.
Advocates have pointed to the lack of affordable housing as a major factor driving the increase. In Columbia County, rents have increased at three times the rate of wages since 2020, according to Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. In Greene County, the average renter earns $13.89 per hour but would need to earn nearly $20.50 per hour to afford a one-bedroom apartment at fair market rent.
“People are being asked to navigate an increasingly complicated housing system while facing rents that are outpacing their wages and a severe shortage of affordable housing,” said Kayah Payton, Founder and Director of Four-One-One Advocacy & Resources. “411 is a direct response to that reality. We want tenants to have a place to turn when they need help understanding their housing options, navigating the systems that affect their stability, and connecting with the right resources.”
Through 411, tenants will be able to receive help navigating housing programs, including Section 8 and project-based housing; understanding recertification and compliance requirements; accessing limited tenant advocacy support; and connecting with legal, housing, and social service providers.
The initiative will support HCHC’s broader housing stabilization programming in Albany, Hudson, Catskill, and surrounding communities.
As local communities work to develop longer-term solutions to homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, including planned investments in emergency and permanent supportive housing, HCHC says tenants also need immediate access to information and support.
“Long-term housing solutions are essential, but people need support today,” said Conchita Miller-Henry, Board Member of HCHC. “411 is one part of the work needed to help residents remain housed, access available resources, and navigate the systems that are supposed to serve them.”
Tenants seeking housing navigation, advocacy support, or referrals to housing and social service resources can contact Four-One-One Advocacy & Resources at 518-291-4112 or director@fouroneonea-r.org. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About the Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition
The Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition is a Black-led nonprofit advancing housing justice, education equity, and criminal justice reform across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. HCHC leads the Albany Free School and works across generations to build grassroots power through organizing, advocacy, and cultural programming. In partnership with community members, HCHC creates space for Black, Brown, low-income, and working-class families to thrive.
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Media Contact:
Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition
communications@hudsoncatskillhousing.org
