On December 9, 2024, the corner of South Ferry and Green Streets in Albany, New York, the birthplace of Father Peter Young’s mission over 60 years ago was renamed on December 9, 2024 in his honor. Father Young was a beloved priest who dedicated his life to helping others. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 90 after battling multiple myeloma. Known for his tireless work in transforming lives and attitudes towards substance abuse, he founded four nonprofit organizations providing shelter, employment, and substance-abuse counseling to thousands.
“Father Young was instrumental in recognizing that addiction is a disease of mind, body and spirit,” shares Hedgerow House Counselor, Ralph Bell who attended the dedication ceremony. “Father Young made changes in New York State to make treatment available for individuals that are addicted. He was my spiritual and professional advisor. I was with him during his last days and I was a pallbearer at both his and his mother, Ellanor Young’s funerals.”