Ulster Opens Traveling Disaster Assistance Center

KINGSTON, NY — As Ulster County continues to recover from the massive ice storm that turned out the nights for thousands of residents and businesses, the county will deploy a traveling Disaster Assistance Center to help people with storm recovery needs and insurance claims.

County Executive Pat Ryan announced the initiative that will be at three locations and will be staffed by the state Department of Financial Services and Ulster County's departments of social services, mental health and aging, with veterans services on call.

The Disaster Assistance Center will provide "a one-stop shop for Ulster County residents to receive critical storm recovery services and support from Ulster County government," according to a spokesperson.

Ryan thanked the state's financial services department and the many county departments that will be helping residents deal with everything from insurance claims to housing assistance.

"While our power has thankfully returned," he said, "many of our residents are still dealing with the devastating impacts of last weekend's ice storm."

Gov. Kathy Hochul said that no New Yorker will be forced to weather this storm alone.

"To those that are still struggling in the aftermath of the storm, we will continue working around the clock to help get you the support you need," she said.

Some of the services the Disaster Assistance Center will provide include:

• Guidance regarding disaster recovery assistance and programs for survivors.
• Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance.
• Housing assistance and rental resource information.
• Mental health services.

The county will be setting up a mobile center in the following areas, with daily hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Friday, Feb 11
• Monday, February 14

• Tuesday, February 15
• Wednesday, Feb. 16

• Thursday, Feb. 17
• Friday, Feb 18

For public transportation options to the DAC, visit this website. If you are unable to travel to the above DAC locations, call the Department of Financial Services Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759 for financial assistance, or the Ulster County Recovery Service Center at 845-443-8888 for County services.