Ulster Immigrant Defense Network

Uidn provides rent and utility assistance to immigrants who reside in Ulster county, a population that has been hit hard by the covid pandemic, both medically and economically. In addition, Ulster county is experiencing a housing crisis, partly due to gentrification which is placing low-cost rentals out of reach for members of the Immigrant population, who often pay more than 50% of their income for rent. The price of oil and electricity increasing has put a huge strain on the ability to pay utility bills. In 2023, our rent assistance program served 127 households (499 individuals) and in 2023 our utilities assistance program in 2023 served 72 households (299 individuals). In addition, we act as a referral service to other programs that provide rent and utility assistance.

Other related program expenses

The family and household support program addresses food insecurity amount the Immigrant community of Ulster county. Immigrant families have been disproportionately affected by the covid pandemic, and the number of families in need has more than quadrupled since 2019. Seasonal labor and new arrivals reuniting with family members in Ulster county has increased the numbers we serve and the need. In 2023, our food pantry served 781 unique households and 2,656 unique individuals. Since most of the households received food more than once, the duplicated number served in 2023 is 4,031 households, 14,610 individuals. Currently at our weekly pantry we also provide information, in the form of flyers, about health, education and legal rights. We also provide clothing, books, school supplies and bedding materials to families in need. Furniture such as beds, bureaus, tables, and chairs are delivered to family homes on a requested basis.

The transportation and accompaniment program provides rides for immigrants of Ulster county who cannot afford them to new york city for immigration courts, to the bronx for ice and isap check-ins, and various other trips including white plains, albany, kingston, jfk, and long island for legal consultations and medical appointments. We also provide accompaniment when immigrants need translation assistance at appointments, or help to navigating unfamiliar areas. Most requests for transportation are important in that if a person cannot get to court dates or ice check-ins, they face deportation. In 2023, our transportation program gave 165 rides serving 140 households so that they could attend their court hearings, ice check-ins, legal consultations and medical appointments.