Ulster County Welcomes Sojourner Truth Statue with Powerful Evening of Tribute and Reflection
 On Friday evening, we held a public celebration to welcome the life-size bronze sculpture, ‘Sojourner Truth: First Steps to Freedom,’ to the Ulster County Office Building, where the statue will remain on display for six months. Created by New Paltz-based artist Trina Greene and loaned by the SUNY New Paltz Foundation, the sculpture portrays Isabella Baumfree Vanwagenen (later known as Sojourner Truth) in 1826, walking to freedom with her daughter Sophia. That pivotal moment marked Truth’s escape from enslavement and the beginning of her lifelong fight for abolition and women’s rights.
The statue is under the front overhang of the building. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss this inspiring work of art!
Support for Homeowners to Build ADUs: A Great Housing Solution
 Ulster County continues to take bold steps to address the housing crisis, including by supporting homeowners in building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — additional housing units on residential properties, such as garage apartments or backyard cottages. ADUs offer flexible, affordable living options and can help homeowners generate rental income or support aging in place.
In partnership with RUPCO, the County has launched Round 3 of the Plus One ADU Program, now open on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible homeowners countywide. The program offers grants of up to $112,500 to property owners with incomes at or below Area Median Income (AMI) to construct or renovate ADUs. In return, participants agree to rent the unit at an affordable rate for at least 10 years and not use it as a short-term rental.
To see if you qualify and to apply, visit: rupco.org/plusone
Additionally, the County Executive signed into law a new property tax incentive that exempts the value of capital improvements for ADU construction — up to $200,000 in added property value — for a five-year period. The exemption does NOT apply to ADUs used for short-term rentals.
To learn more or apply:
Golden Hill Housing Lottery Now Open!
 Ulster County, NYS Homes & Community Renewal, Pennrose, and Family of Woodstock are pleased to announce the opening of the housing lottery for Golden Hill Apartments — a new 164-unit affordable, sustainably constructed, intergenerational housing community in Kingston.
Applications are open through October 7, with the lottery scheduled for October 21. Apartments are available to households earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income, with nearly half of the apartments reserved for senior households aged 62 and older. Family of Woodstock will provide supportive services, including case management and care coordination, crisis intervention, and financial counseling.
The development includes on-site childcare, a community garden, fitness center, and free broadband for all residents, and is conveniently located near public transit and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Interested applicants can apply online at tinyurl.com/GoldenHillLottery. Paper applications are also accepted via email, fax, or mail. For full details, visit GoldenHillApts.com.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Survey
 Ulster County is creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). A CWPP is a plan that prioritizes government and community identification of key wildfire risk areas and creates strategies to mitigate risk.
Creating a CWPP will guide County wildfire mitigation actions, reduce damage to homes and properties, potentially improve insurance eligibility or discounts, and increase grant funding eligibility.
We need your help to create this plan, so please fill out the survey below! It is 20 questions long and should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Another Fabulous Borscht Belt Festival in Ellenville!
 On July 27 and 28, the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville held its annual Borscht Belt Festival, celebrating the cultural legacy of the Catskill resort era with food, comedy, and more. Congrats to all the organizers and volunteers on another successful festival!
You don't have to wait for next year's festival if you want to take in the storied history and flavor of these times — check out the Borscht Belt Museum at 90 Canal Street in Ellenville, open Tues. through Sun., 11 AM to 5 PM. Learn more at www.borschtbeltmuseum.org.
County Employee Recognition
 On August 11, we had the privilege of honoring a remarkable group of 109 Ulster County employees who reached major career milestones. Together, they’ve contributed an astounding 2,280 years of service to our community — a testament to the depth of experience and commitment that powers Ulster County government.
Their dedication, expertise, and heart are what keep our County running strong. We’re grateful every day for the work they do behind the scenes to serve our residents with care and excellence.
Ulster County Recognizes 62 Firefighters at Graduation Ceremony
 On July 28, County Executive Metzger joined the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services at SUNY New Paltz to celebrate the graduation of 62 new volunteer firefighters who completed firefighting training over the past year. Congratulations to our graduates, and thank you to our incredible instructors and Emergency Services team who prepare our firefighters with the knowledge and skills to be their very best in this vital, life-saving work!
A big thank you to SUNY New Paltz for hosting the ceremony!
Ulster County Launches Project SAFE to Enhance Emergency Response for At-Risk Individuals
Ulster County has launched Project SAFE (Special Alert For Emergencies), a voluntary alert program designed to assist individuals in Ulster County living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Dementia, Blindness, Deafness, or other conditions.
The program allows caregivers and individuals to provide vital information that will be securely stored in our 911 dispatch system. This information can help first responders provide the most informed and compassionate care possible during emergencies. Enroll today at ulstercountyny.gov/project-safe and visit participate.ulstercountyny.gov/thinkdifferently to learn more.
Crisis Support Center Updates
 Exciting updates on Ulster County’s new Crisis Support Center, expected to open in the coming months! Construction is now complete, and staff from our partner organization, People USA, have already begun moving in!
The Center will be Ulster County’s first 24/7 walk-in facility for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. It is a safe, welcoming place to receive immediate care and support.
People USA is currently hiring for several positions at the Center — check out the opportunities here: tinyurl.com/dkbywfe2.
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