With ownership, the County can now begin renovating the new Veteran’s home.

Kingston, NY – This afternoon, County Executive Mike Hein filed the deed to 67 Wurts Street in the City of Kingston with Nina Postupack, the Ulster County Clerk.   With this action, the County has cleared a major hurdle by assuming ownership of an ideally-situated residential property that will become a new transitional home for Ulster County’s homeless Veterans.  Understanding that all homeless Veterans deserve a dignified place to live and to easily access support services, County Executive Hein asked Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature to convey this previously State-owned property to the County for $1.   The New York State Legislature unanimously passed this legislation, which was then signed by the Governor. “This new Veterans’ home is an important step in showing our gratitude to Ulster County’s veterans for all they have done for our county. We anticipate being open and available for service members in need this year.  When returning home, some veterans face extremely serious challenges and find themselves homeless and in need of assistance.  Ulster County will not only provide housing to these homeless veterans, but also direct access to support services,” said County Executive Hein.   “I would like to thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Larkin and Assemblyman Cahill for their assistance and continued support in helping Ulster County’s Veterans.” “The County Executive’s administration has been overwhelmed by the appreciation and support expressed by our community for this important project,” said Director of the Ulster County Veterans’ Services Agency Steven Massee.  “The County Executive welcomes assistance from any individual or organization who would like to participate in bringing this plan to fruition.  To participate, please call my office at 845-340-3190 or email me at smas[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us.” According to the Ulster County Veterans’ Service Agency statistics, there are approximately 6-10 Ulster County veterans at any given time seeking emergency housing assistance.  Additionally, there are others in need of assistance who are reluctant to apply for help.   This property is in close proximity to other government services and public transportation.   It was previously used by Ulster-Greene ARC as a group home and has the space and amenities to support this noble purpose.  The property also stands directly across from Thomas Cornell Park, which is home to a Veterans’ memorial.

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Attachment:  Photos of County Executive Mike Hein filing the deed with County Clerk Nina Postupack and handing keys to Director of Veterans’ Services Agency Massee.  They are joined by Harold Rosenkranse of the American Legion Post 1219 in Rosendale/ Tillson and William A. Tubby of VFW Post 1386 in Kingston. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"485","attributes":{"class":"media-image size-medium wp-image-1372 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"300","height":"225","alt":"DSCN7288"}}]] [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"486","attributes":{"class":"media-image size-medium wp-image-1373 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"300","height":"225","alt":"DSCN7282"}}]]