The Hudson Headwaters Health Network this week announced that five community-based projects have received support from the network’s Upstream Fund, an annual grant program to help address social drivers of health such as food, housing, transportation and other socioeconomic issues.

HHHN launched the Upstream Fund in 2020 to externally invest in and empower community partners. Since the program started, more than $200,000 has been awarded. The Upstream Fund is supported by donors who restrict gifts for this purpose and the network.

“Hudson Headwaters understands that individual health is impacted by numerous factors extending beyond the exam room,” said Jessica Rubin, Hudson Headwaters’ vice president and chief impact officer.

“The Upstream Fund reflects the network’s vision to lead a sustainable and community-focused health system through collaboration and diverse partnerships. We are fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated nonprofit partners helping to ensure the well-being of our region,” she said.

The 2024 Upstream Fund recipients and projects are:

¯ AdkAction, Keeseville: This grant will support the Long-Term Rental Catalyst Pilot Program, an effort to create a short-term rental conversion toolkit and incentive program that empowers interested property owners with the tools and support needed to help unlock immediate housing stock in the Adirondacks.

¯ Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties (JCEO), Plattsburgh: This grant will help emergency aid to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households during unexpected crises.

¯ Little Peaks Preschool and Early Childhood Center, Keene: This grant will help remedy the “ADK Child Care Desert,” providing operational support for the newly-built and licensed nature-inspired early child care and preschool program.

¯ Rural Law Center of New York, Plattsburgh: This grant will support the Adirondack Regional Family Stabilization Program to provide assistance and resources to families and individuals residing in the Adirondack region with filing bankruptcy, debtor education and credit counseling.

¯ The Salvation Army-Empire State Division, Syracuse: This grant will support basic needs assistance for the ALICE population in the Adirondack region, providing year-round, direct financial assistance for heat and other utilities for ALICE households.

HHHN’s Upstream Fund considers applications submitted through The Adirondack Foundation’s Generous Acts program. This is the fifth year the Adirondack Foundation and Hudson Headwaters have co-funded projects.

To learn more about the Upstream Fund, visit HHHN.org/support/upstream-fund.