Project Resilience will focus its efforts on supporting those most vulnerable to the impacts of the pandemic including seniors, youth, and families who are living paycheck to paycheck

The program will continue to address growing food insecurity by supporting local food banks=

County Executive Ryan announces the initiative is reactivating grassroots community fundraising to support its efforts

KINGSTON, N.Y. - County Executive Pat Ryan announced today the next phase of Project Resilience. As the county continues to experience a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, Project Resilience will continue to serve as a vehicle to support those most vulnerable to the impacts of the pandemic. The next phase of Project Resilience will focus on supporting our seniors and our young people, addressing growing food insecurity by supporting our network of local food banks, and building support systems for Ulster County families that are living paycheck to paycheck. Project Resilience will begin re-activating its grassroots community fundraising today to support these efforts. 

“Project Resilience is an unprecedented initiative that has allowed us to channel the wave of goodwill from across Ulster County to better serve our residents in need since the beginning of the pandemic,” Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said. “Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, far too many families were already struggling - with four in ten Ulster County households living paycheck to paycheck. COVID-19 has further exacerbated and amplified these challenges, and we have to continue to step up our game to meet the surge of need across our County. The strength of our community has truly been the backbone of Project Resilience since day one and it’s more important now than ever that we renew our commitment to leave no one behind.”

These areas of focus are identified by the Ulster County Recovery Task Force, whose goal has been to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response to the devastating socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on county residents. Since the outbreak of the virus, Ulster County has already seen a surge in SNAP applications, senior meals on wheels requests, and many other key services. Given the ongoing public health crisis and resulting economic dislocation, Ulster County anticipates these needs will continue to grow in scale and scope over the coming months. As informed by the Recovery Task Force, Project Resilience will respond to these challenges across Ulster County, and work to develop new ways to support residents.  

As the needs of our county evolve over the winter, the County will continue to re-imagine Project Resilience to meet the needs of the Ulster County community. Project Resilience has raised $900,000 to support our community through this difficult winter and will roll out support strategically on an ongoing basis. Project Resilience is made possible through partnerships with the United Way and Community Foundations. 

Launched in March, Project Resilience started as a community fund and local food distribution efforts established to support residents impacted by COVID-19. Within 24 hours of its inception, County Executive Ryan secured over $2 million dollars in funding and announced partnerships with municipal governments, local businesses, and not-for-profits. Since launching, Project Resilience has provided nearly 300,000 meals while supporting over 100 small businesses

Donations are accepted here through United Way. For more information on Project Resilience, please visit: https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/project-resilience/

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