Ulster County Community Action Faces Surge in Demand for Aid

In Kingston, New York, the Ulster County Community Action Agency is grappling with a significant rise in demand for food and heating assistance. According to Suzanne Hinchey, the agency’s outreach program director, the challenges of food insecurity and the harsh winter weather have reached critical levels. The surge in need has been exacerbated by recent policy changes and economic pressures affecting the community.

During her interview last year, Hinchey expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of then-President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on non-profit organizations like hers. Now, less than a year into his administration, those impacts are becoming evident. “We’ve seen a lot more families coming in,” she stated, noting a dramatic increase in the number of families seeking assistance.

The recent federal government shutdown had a particularly damaging effect on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). During this period, the agency struggled to keep its pantry shelves stocked across its outreach centers in Kingston, Ellenville, and Monticello. “When SNAP shut down, we were probably serving between 150 to 250 families for emergency food each month,” Hinchey said. With the number of families seeking help “probably tripling,” the agency has relied heavily on private donations to meet the escalating demand.

Community support has been crucial. Donations from organizations such as the Ulster County Italian American Foundation and the Highland Rotary Club have provided essential supplies. Additionally, food drives coordinated by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection have helped replenish food stocks. Notably, Lauri Andretta Vetera donated 100 turkeys, while the Ulster County Board of Realtors contributed all the necessary side dishes. These efforts enabled the agency to distribute meals to 234 families during the Thanksgiving season.

Regular contributions from major retailers such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Hannaford continue to play a vital role in feeding local residents. Hinchey mentioned that the Canna Planet dispensary on Ulster Avenue provided over 300 cans of food weekly in November, with expectations for more. Moreover, staff from the Dentists’ Office of the Hudson Valley and employees at the Sojourner Truth State Park organized food drives to benefit the agency.

While SNAP benefits have mostly resumed, new requirements have emerged. Families with able-bodied adults, lacking dependents under the age of 14 and not receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), now face a mandate to complete either 80 hours of work or volunteer service each month. Hinchey described this new requirement as a “major hit” for the families the agency serves.

In addition to food aid, the agency offers support through the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which helps residents maintain heating during winter. However, this year, funding for HEAP has dwindled significantly. “With the cold weather approaching, the impact is going to be devastating because they’re not going to have heat,” Hinchey warned. She expressed concern for vulnerable populations, including seniors, disabled individuals, and families with children, who are at risk of facing a winter without adequate heating.

Hinchey predicts that without an increase in HEAP funding, the situation could lead to severe consequences. “People are going to freeze to death, or the warming centers are going to be overpopulated,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Warming centers are located in Kingston, Ellenville, and Saugerties, as well as two in Sullivan County.

To sustain and expand its assistance programs, the agency is actively seeking donations. With offices located at 70 Lindsley Ave., Kingston, and 2 Clinton Ave., Ellenville, along with a Sullivan County office at 309 E. Broadway, Suite A, Monticello, the agency is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals interested in supporting their efforts can donate online at https://uccac.org/donate/ or send checks to Ulster County Community Action, Inc., at 70 Lindsley Ave., Kingston, NY 12401.

As the agency continues to address the pressing needs of the community, it remains focused on helping families navigate these challenging times, ensuring that those most at risk receive the support they need. For more information about Community Action programs, call (845) 338-8750.