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WHO WE ARE

The West Hill Neighborhood has perhaps the highest rate of abandoned and vacant buildings in the City of Albany. This contributes significantly to a region-wide shortage of low-income affordable housing. At the same time, Albany is a desirable resettlement City for refugees due to its lower cost of living, and the number of resources and opportunities available, compared to other areas of New York State. More than 4,000 refugees have resettled in the Capital Region since 2005. Language and cultural barriers often hinder their ability to access programs and services, housing and employment.

Tim Doherty, a community development advocate and resident of the West Hill Neighborhood, created a local non-profit with a vision to bring resurgence to West Hill and a sense of place for area refugees and immigrants. Tim challenges the disinvestment in West Hill by securing and rehabbing properties, while providing refugees with safe and affordable homes. Today, with a combination of ownership and leasing, he houses more than 100 people in 30 residential units across 20 buildings, a majority of which are single mother-led households. 

The West Hill Refugee Welcome Center (RWC) is a centralized commercial space that has grown into a melting-pot of learning and cultural exchange for both refugees and volunteers. This public space accommodates a variety of needs and services, including English language classes, student homework help, public health lessons, and other group or social activities.