Scene in Tupper Lake NY for the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of Northern Forest Center’s new housing in September 2026. Photo by Nancie Battaglia
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Building Homes, Building Futures

Campaign Goal Achieved. Building Continues.

Together, donors, foundations, investors, and community partners contributed more than $1.75 million through Building Homes, Building Futures to expand housing opportunities in Adirondack communities. 

That support has already helped create 10 new homes in Tupper Lake and is building momentum for future housing solutions in Elizabethtown and across the region. 

Thank You for Helping Us Exceed Our Goal

Thanks to more than 100 donations and grants, the campaign has surpassed its $1.75 million fundraising goal. 

While the campaign goal has been achieved, the need for quality, year-round housing remains urgent. Additional gifts will help the Northern Forest Center pursue new housing opportunities in the Adirondacks as they emerge. 

0 Raised
of
1,750,000 Goal

It's not too late to participate!

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The Northern Forest Center saw something here worth investing in. They didn't just create housing; they created opportunity for people who want to live here, work here, and be part of our community. They took an old home and an old site and gave it new bones a new face and a new opportunity.

”

– Mary Fontana, Mayor of Tupper Lake

What Your Support Made Possible

Building Homes, Building Futures was launched to address an acute shortage of quality, year-round, middle-market housing in the Adirondacks. 

The campaign’s most significant milestone to date is the completion of the Park Street development in Tupper Lake, creating 10 new homes for year-round residents and demonstrating a model for community-centered housing development. 

179 Park St., Tupper Lake. Photo: Nancie Battaglia

Scene in Tupper Lake NY for the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of Northern Forest Center's new affordable housing project, Sept 2026. For additonal ID and information contact NFC communication department (Emilie Allen or Gwen Matson). photo by Nancie Battaglia

Tupper Lake: A Major Milestone

The Park Street development transformed underutilized properties into much-needed homes for local residents while supporting downtown revitalization and economic opportunity. 

Project Highlights 

  • 10 new homes for year-round residents. 
  • New investment in downtown Tupper Lake. 
  • Local contractors and suppliers engaged. 
  • A model for future rural housing development.

Learn More About Park Street

This historic Hale House in Elizabethtown, NY.

The Law Library building on the historic Hale House district in Elizabethtown, NY.

An Update on Hale House

The campaign also includes plans to create new housing opportunities through redevelopment of the historic Hale House property in Elizabethtown. 

As planning has progressed, project costs have proved substantially higher than originally anticipated. We are evaluating options and working with partners to determine a viable path forward. 

Learn More About Hale House

Why This Work Matters

Housing shortages continue to challenge Adirondack communities, making it harder for employers to attract workers and for families to remain in the region. 

The success of Building Homes, Building Futures shows that communities, donors, investors, and partners are ready to invest in solutions that strengthen local economies and support year-round residents. 

“We are grateful that the Northern Forest Center is tackling this critical need, which we encounter every time we try to bring in new employees to support our mission of providing quality local healthcare to the Elizabethtown community.” Matt Nolan, Vice President, Elizabethtown Community Hospital

What's Next? 

Housing remains one of the Adirondack’s most pressing challenges. 

Building on the success of this campaign, the Northern Forest Center is exploring new opportunities to expand housing options and strengthen communities across the region. 

Your continued support helps make this work possible. 

Donate or learn about making an impact investment to support this work. 

Thank You 

Thank you to every donor, investor, foundation, business, and community partner who helped make this campaign a success. See the complete list here. 

Together, you are helping create housing opportunities and build a stronger future for Adirondack communities. 

Recent Press & Updates

Explore recent news, project updates, and stories from the Building Homes, Building Futures campaign. 

Staff Contacts

Becky Hession smiles in the sun.

Rebecca Hession

Donor and Investor Relations Officer
Cell: 603-724-7021
photo of Leslie Karasin

Leslie Karasin

Adirondack Program Director
Cell: 518-637-2962