Danielle Garris holds a degree in Human Services & Community Health and is an advocate for the Kingston Motel community. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Kingston Wire: How did you or your family come to Kingston?

Danielle Garris: I grew up in Shandaken and moved back there after 20 years in Kingston to raise my kids. Due to Covid and the housing boom of second-home buyers we couldn't find a place to live and pushed out of the woods so to speak. We were in temporary housing for nearly three years and just recently secured a home. I was determined not to be pushed out of the state, nor Ulster County, like many. I truly couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

KW: What do you like about Kingston?

DG: Kingston is sandwiched between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. The views and history are endless. Recently I had the pleasure of viewing the Catskills from the sixth floor of the county building and it was stunning.

Community is important to me and Kingston always has a variety of community events for children, families and cultural diversity that New York was built upon.

KW: What would you change about Kingston?

DG: Most people don't realize how a good proportion of society is one paycheck away from becoming homeless. Our system needs an overhaul and I believe Kingston throughout history has overcome obstacles with the ebb and flow of jobs.

Unfortunately local people are getting priced out of Kingston. Housing, heating and food costs have a trickle-down effect, just as they do for governments. We as a community need to try and find tangible solutions for now, not just in the future. You can't put a pause on a crisis – it needs action now, without the red tape and gorilla glue. Of course jobs are needed, but the wages aren't matching so Kingston could be a leader in redesigning the housing crisis with innovation and creativity.

KW: What do you think Kingston will be like in 10 years?

DG: What I think and what I hope are two different scenarios. What I hope Kingston will look like in 10 years is that tourism and community focus will be on the same playing field. Can’t build for tourists and leave locals behind.