The Art of Housing: A Blog

July 2025 Staff Recognition

Please join us in congratulating the July 2025 Recognition Recipients! Staff on the Rise Recognition Staff on the RISE: Beth Hodge, LPN and Jessica Ramirez, RN Staff on the Rise is an employee recognition which recognizes staff who possess an exemplary work ethic, excel on the job, are team players, and are an inspiration to others.   Please join us in… Read More

Gratitude & Art: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters

We are overwhelmed with gratitude following the incredible success of our recent art auction event, and we want to extend our deepest thanks to all those who made it possible. First and foremost, we thank Gordon Boyd, whose generous donation of his personal art collection—in memory of his beloved late wife, Sharon—set the tone for… Read More

Board Member Profile: Rob Snell

Introducing Rob Snell as the Board of Directors Secretary At RISE Housing and Support Services, we are fortunate to be guided by a board of directors whose dedication and heart match the urgency and complexity of the work we do. Today, we’re honored to introduce one of our long serving board members, Rob Snell. Rob… Read More

Victoria Furfaro: A Leader in Supportive Services

At RISE Housing and Support Services, we believe that people are the heart of everything we do—and few exemplify that more than Victoria Furfaro, Director of Outreach and Advocacy. Victoria began working for RISE in 2019 and since has always gone above and beyond in her work, bringing compassion, commitment, and professionalism to every interaction.… Read More

Rain House Reopens: A Heartfelt Thank You to Governor Hochul and New York State Office of Mental Health

At RISE Housing and Support Services, we believe that housing is more than shelter—it’s the foundation of recovery, dignity, and community. That belief is what made the recent rehabilitation of Rain House, one of our longest-standing Community Residences, such a meaningful milestone. Today, we are proud to share that Rain House has officially reopened, newly… Read More

RISE Field Day Picnic: A Day of Fun, Food, and Connection

On Wednesday, June 11th, the peaceful grounds of Gavin Park were anything but calm as RISE staff descended for our annual Field Day Picnic. What started as a wholesome team-building event quickly evolved into a full-blown, no-mercy battle for bragging rights. (Okay, maybe not that dramatic—but things got competitive.)   Fueled by a catered BBQ… Read More

Adelphi Street Shelter Celebrates 2 Years of Impact!

On June 12th, RISE Housing and Support Services proudly celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the Adelphi Street Shelter—and what an afternoon it was! From noon to 2 PM, community members, partners, and supporters gathered at 4 Adelphi Street to reflect on two years of life-changing, low-barrier shelter and harm reduction services. The celebration was filled… Read More

RISE Celebrates Diversity by Creating Safe Places

At RISE we believe in creating safe places for individuals to seek the help they need regardless of their circumstances, race, or sexual orientation. We recognize that the disparity members of our community face when seeking to overcome mental health, substance use, and other life challenges such as homelessness is often compounded by systemic barriers,… Read More

Bringing Beauty to Rain House: Murals that Honor, Inspire, and Heal

When you step into the newly renovated Rain House, you will notice more than just fresh paint and updated rooms—you will be met with something deeper, more emotional: a quiet moment of beauty. Local artist Kendra Farstad has completed two of three murals planned for Rain House, and each brushstroke tells a story. Her work… Read More

Meeting People Where They Are: How RISE is Using Opioid Settlement Funds to Save Lives in Saratoga County

Across New York State, funds from settlements with companies involved in manufacturing, distributing, and selling opioids are being channeled into life-saving programs. RISE is at the forefront of this effort, using these critical resources to bring compassionate care directly to individuals affected by substance use. Dr. Chenezo Cunningham, a leading voice in community health, recently… Read More