United Way logo 2019



COVID-19 Response Update
May 2020
Need Continues to Grow

For those experiencing food insecurity, we continue to refer them to Project Resilience, which has moved into Phase 2, limiting delivered prepared meals to those who are homebound, and providing groceries through local food pantries to others in need. 

To date, 209,000 meals have been delivered. To receive groceries, contact the County’s COVID-19 Hotline at 845-443-8888.
United Way's Staff Responds

Our small army of three United Way staff have responded to 400 inquiries from concerned County residents looking for food, rental assistance utility assistance, and essential non-food items like diapers and formula, as well as information on federal and state benefits and policies.

We have provided $135,000 in financial assistance for rent and utilities to 180 households , including 720 individuals , who became sick, lost hours at work, or are awaiting unemployment benefits as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Responding Through Partnership
In partnership with The Kingston NY Mutual Aid Facebook Group , we provided 70 mothers of infants in need of diapers and formula with $100 gift cards to Walmart.

Our partnership with the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network and Reaping the Harvest continues to provide assistance to immigrant families, often living in very close quarters with extended family members suffering with COVID-19 symptoms, and having no access to health care.
United Way Members Adapt and Serve
Boys and Girls Clubs of Ulster County has provided over 500 prepared meals, feeding over 1,500 local children and their families per week, courtesy of Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern, who donated the meals. Staff have stayed connected to Club members daily through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok - which allows virtual interactive games and fun competitions for kids. These virtual avenues also allow Club youth to contact Club staff if they feel they are in unhealthy situations at home.
MHA Helps Clients Stay in Touch

Mental Health Association has made staying in touch with clients their utmost priority. MHA residences have successfully put new safety policies in place to minimize any potential spread of COVID-19. Non-residential programs like Youth Respite have continued to provide mental health and academic supports to young people virtually. And MHA staff have focused on ensuring that all clients have access to food and other basic necessities.
Legal Services Creates COVID Working Group

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley created a staff COVID Working Group to stay current on legal and policy developments and is on the front lines in advocating for low-income clients in matters including housing, domestic violence, wills and healthcare proxies, employment, income maintenance, and consumer law. 
Tax Refunds Address Basic Needs
United Way’s Free Tax Prep Program brought in $281,038 in tax refunds and credits to 139 low-income Ulster County households. A survey of our tax clients showed that (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), 97% of these funds would be used for basic needs including food, housing, and utilities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 100% of these funds will be used to cover basic needs.
United Way logo 2019
450 Albany Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401
845.331.4199 . FAX: 845.331.4789
We believe that it is the right of every individual in Ulster County to have programs and services available to help them achieve their greatest potential.