On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the UU Fellowship  welcomed Hudson River Housing President and CEO Christa Hines, with Director of Resident Services Vincent Darrow, as we explored some of the challenges related to housing in Dutchess County. 

Ernest Henry of Hudson Valley Re-Entry Network was also present, having been our Sunday morning speaker. 

A light lunch was served before the program, with Christa, Vinny and Ernest joining  us.  

The event was attended by friends and members of the Fellowship, and members of the community.

CHRISTA HINES BIO

Christa Hines is the President and CEO of Hudson River Housing – a not for profit organization dedicated to building strong, sustainable communities and affordable housing opportunities for all.   As a CPA, Christa held the role of CFO at HRH for 18 years prior to becoming CEO in 2017.  With her support and leadership, HRH has grown to a staff of 195 and has developed over 1,500 units of housing from emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families to homeownership opportunities for first time homebuyers.  HRH creates pathways out of homelessness and poverty for thousands annually and offers a multitude of programs including those for youth, families, veterans, seniors and those with special needs.   In addition to managing and creating new homes, HRH provides extensive support services and job skills training to help people achieve greater personal and economic stability.

Christa is truly dedicated to the mission of Hudson River Housing to deliver compassionate services aimed at improving communities and the lives of those they serve. This philosophy carries over to all aspects of her life.  She works tirelessly to support the staff of HRH and to create partnerships with others to address the complex housing and social challenges facing the region.  She serves on the board of directors for three local organizations including those aimed at educating and serving children as well as those in the financial sector.

As a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley and through her experiences on her family’s dairy farm in Rhinebeck, she has a deep appreciation for the agricultural richness and bucolic characteristics that make Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley such a beautiful place to live, work and play.

VINNY DARROW BIO     

Vinny Darrow is the Director of Resident Services at Hudson River Housing, where he has been a dedicated team member for over 8 years. Throughout his career, Vinny has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting residents and fostering a positive living environment.

Vinny began his journey at Hudson River Housing as a Care Manager for the Community Based Re-Entry Program at Hillcrest House. His dedication and leadership quickly led him to roles as a Supervising Care Manager, Assistant Resident Services Manager, and Resident Services Manager for both Hillcrest House and Hudson River Lodge. In these positions, he developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by residents and worked tirelessly to create programs that address their needs and empower them to thrive.

In addition to his practical experience, Vinny holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Binghamton University. This educational foundation has enhanced his ability to understand the complexities of human behavior, providing a strong framework for his work in resident services.

As the Director of Resident Services, Vinny oversees the operations and strategic direction of the Resident Services team, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and support they need to maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life. His leadership has played a pivotal role in the success of multiple initiatives that promote community engagement, housing stability, and individual well-being.

Vinny's dedication to his work is matched by his strong belief in the power of community, and he continues to drive meaningful change at Hudson River Housing with a focus on creating safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for all residents.