Senator Fahy Announces $75,000 for Grassroot Givers, Inc. Ahead of Expanded Space Grand Opening
ALBANY, N.Y. – October 29, 2026 – New York State Senator Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) announced $75,000 in capital and operating funds were secured through her office for Grassroot Givers, Inc., a leading Albany nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing poverty.
The grant will help with renovations, tech upgrades, & operating expenses as the nonprofit prepares for its expanded space Grand Opening.
Location: 522 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY
Open House Tours: Monday, November 16 through Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – Sign up on website.
What is Grassroot Givers? – From Garage to 500K Books
Founded in 2009 by Mary Partridge-Brown and Roberta Sandler, the organization started in a garage, responding for a family who lost everything in a house fire. Today it serves hundreds of families each year.
Mission: Creating opportunities for individuals and families experiencing poverty by ensuring basic needs are met with dignity and respect, while reducing waste in landfills and connecting community resources to neighbors’ needs.
Executive Director Stacey Erwell said:
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Pat Fahy for her support and for securing funding for Grassroot Givers. This significant contribution made our expansion and renovation possible, allowing us to broaden our reach and better serve our neighbors across the community.”
3 Core Programs – Impact Numbers
1. Clothing Program – 600 People Per Month
Provides like-new clothing to over 600 community members every month, including:
- Casual wear
- Career clothing (for job interviews / work)
- Children’s options
2. Home Essentials Program – 380 Families Per Year
Works closely with the Healthy Alliance team providing:
- Kitchen and home items – pots, dishes, blankets, towels, small appliances
- Helps 380 families per year with transition into an apartment
- Shared goal: Improving overall health of vulnerable individuals in Capital Region
3. Book Project – Started 2011 – 500,000+ Books Distributed
In an effort to support literacy for all:
- Over half a million books in last 15 years
- Partners: Albany City School District, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, Schenectady County Jail, and more
- Network of over 20 Little Free Libraries throughout City of Albany
- Book Bikes – Eye-catching mobile libraries that bike around the region
- Partnership with Homeless and Travelers Aid Society to ensure 600 students in Albany City School District receive one book each week of school year with their weekend food backpack, allowing families to accumulate books for home library
Why Now? – Affordability Crisis Context
Senator Patricia Fahy said:
“Grassroot Givers is providing the Capital Region with the resources they need most. Their expansion comes at the perfect time when families are facing an affordability crisis and federal cuts to food and housing programs, and they need access to basic necessities like clothing, household essentials, and books for their children. Talking to their volunteers firsthand, this is a special environment where every dollar is stretched to its maximum capacity. Thank you, Grassroot Givers, for your continued steadfast efforts to help our neighbors in their time of need.”
The funding comes at a time when federal cuts to food and housing programs are impacting low-income families.
How to Help Grassroot Givers?
Grassroot Givers depends heavily on volunteers and donations.
- Volunteer: Apply directly on website using Volunteer Interest Form – Fit your skills, schedule, interests
- Financial Gift: Visit Make A Gift page on website
- Donate Goods: Always looking for new or like-new books, seasonal clothing, home essentials
- Drop-off: Set up appointment by calling or using online scheduler
Address: 522 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY
This $75,000 investment will help the nonprofit broaden its reach and better serve neighbors across Albany.
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