New installment of “Voices From Our Communities” examines barriers to progress and the need for community-driven solutions
Hudson, NY – November 5, 2026 — What stands in the way of stronger, more equitable communities, and what will it take to move forward?
The Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition (HCHC) is exploring these questions in What Holds Us Back, the second installment of its Voices From Our Communities video series. The new video turns attention to the challenges that continue to limit opportunities for residents and the changes needed to create a more equitable future.
Through conversations with community members in Albany, Hudson, and Catskill, the series brings attention to the experiences and perspectives of people whose lives are directly affected by decisions about housing, public resources, and neighborhood development.
Watch the full video, Voices From Our Communities: What Holds Us Back, here: https://youtu.be/FKqvs6RxY7A
Media note: The video is available for sharing and embedding in news coverage.
The latest video builds on the first installment, Where We Are, shifting the conversation from current conditions to the obstacles that make progress difficult. Together, the videos encourage viewers to consider not only the challenges facing their communities, but also the role residents can play in addressing them.
The series comes as HCHC prepares to celebrate six years of organizing for housing justice, education equity, and criminal justice reform at its 6th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, November 19, 2026, in Hudson.
This year's theme, “We Cleared the Way: Clean Slate. Collective Freedom.” recognizes the organizing and advocacy that helped secure passage of New York's Clean Slate Act while acknowledging the work that remains to achieve lasting change.
The evening will feature keynote speaker Alicia Garza, founder of Black Futures Lab and co-creator of Black Lives Matter, alongside recognition of community leaders and advocates who have contributed to important victories.
Earlier that afternoon, HCHC will host a free Community Leadership Workshop facilitated by Garza. The workshop will bring grassroots leaders, organizers, and advocates together to discuss shared challenges, exchange ideas, and explore practical approaches to strengthening their communities.
By bringing residents' perspectives into the conversation ahead of these events, HCHC hopes to encourage deeper reflection on what meaningful progress requires and who must be involved in making it happen.
HCHC 6th Anniversary Gala
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Elks Lodge, 201 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY
Tickets: https://bit.ly/rsvp-hchc-gala
Free Community Leadership Workshop
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Hudson Area Library, 51 N. 5th Street, Hudson, NY
Register: https://bit.ly/hchc-workshop
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