Ulster County Community Needs Assessment
2019
April 2019
Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc.
70 Lindsley Avenue Kingston, NY 12401
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Table of Contents INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ...... 1 SUMMARY and ULSTER AT A GLANCE ...... 4 COMMUNITY PROFILE ...... 9 DEMOGRAPHICS ...... 11 HOUSEHOLDS ...... 12 ECONOMY ...... 13 INCOME AND POVERTY ...... 16 IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS – COMMUNITY PROFILE ...... 19 CHILDREN ...... 20 DEMOGRAPHICS and POVERTY ...... 20 HEALTH, SAFETY and NUTRITION ...... 23 EDUCATION and CHILD CARE...... 27 IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS - CHILDREN ...... 35 INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES...... 36 DEMOGRAPHICS and POVERTY ...... 37 EMPLOYMENT and TRANSPORTATION ...... 40 HEALTH and NUTRITION ...... 43 HOUSING ...... 47 SENIORS and VETERANS ...... 53 IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS – HOUSEHOLDS and INDIVIDUALS ...... 56 MAPS and ELIGIBILE POPULATIONS ...... 57 IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS - MAPS ...... 66 POVERTY COUNTY COMPARISONS and SULLIVAN AT A GLANCE ...... 67 FOCUS GROUP and SURVEY KEY FINDINGS ...... 69 COMMUNITY RESOURCES ...... 76 APPENDICES ...... 85 Appendix A – Focus Group Questions ...... 85 Appendix B – Survey Results ...... 87 REFERENCES ...... 116
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INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Purpose of Community Needs Assessment (CNA) Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc. (herein referred to as UCCAC) conducts a comprehensive assessment of community strengths, needs, and resources every three years with updates in the interim years to make decisions about the services it will provide for families and community residents. The information obtained is used in the following ways:
-To identify changes in the needs of the population being served.
-To build upon community strengths by identifying new opportunities for community partnerships which will better serve our families and identify resources within the community available to our service population.
-To assess our current service areas and identify unserved areas which would benefit from services.
-To identify new services or programs needed to serve eligible families.
-To indicate duration of the programs including hours of service and length of year.
-To determine program options and geographic locations which would best serve the community and needs of the eligible families.
-To identify the type of expertise required, including staff composition necessary to reflect the languages, cultures, and heritage of the community. -To identify strategic goals and objectives for serving families and community residents.
Methodology The service area for the agency is Ulster County, New York. The community is defined as residents of Ulster County with emphasis on data about residents who fall below or near the federal poverty line. Included in the UCCAC CNA, for the first time, is data for Sullivan County. In September of 2018, UCCAC received approval from New York State DOS to provide outreach services throughout Sullivan County. The primary sources of data used in compiling this Community Needs Assessment include the US Census; the American Community Survey and American Fact Finder; The Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles compiled by the Center for Governmental Research; New York State Community Action Agency Comprehensive Community Assessment and annual poverty report, Community Commons; Kids Well-Being Indicators Clearinghouse; State Education Department Data; the Ulster County Child Care Council Community Assessment Data, program report data, as well as other local reports and studies.
The 2013-2017 ACS Estimates were published after the data collection phase of this assessment was completed. There were not significant changes in the data from the 2012-2016 ACS estimates. Some sections were updated with the new citations while others were not. UCCAC will continue to monitor the data and create updates when necessary.
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Surveys UCCAC compiled survey results from agency employees, agency consumers, community members, community leaders, and community partners. Using SurveyMonkey, we administered a community survey to Ulster County residents, a partner survey to Ulster County organizations and agencies, and an agency survey to employees, Board members, Policy Council members, and volunteers. Survey questions and results are in Appendix B – Survey Results of this report.
Additionally, focus groups were held throughout March 2019 in Kingston, Ellenville, Plattekill, and Saugerties offering opportunities for community members to share their thoughts and experiences living in the county. Five focus group events were held to provide enough opportunity for community members to attend one convenient for them. Focus group questions are included in Appendix A – Focus Group Questions of this report.
How to Use This Assessment Using the Table of Contents, you can read the assessment in its entirety or choose specific sections. Helpful graphs and tables are included in the Profile, Children, and Family and Individual sections with the Maps and Eligible Populations section containing data maps of the county. For a quick overview of general data, choose the At a Glance sections for both Ulster and Sullivan Counties.
Each section will include key findings of the data and how UCCAC can use the information in its service delivery will be in the summary. Specific data and information will be identified as it relates to UCCAC programs and services. Look for these symbols:
Program Key
Outreach Weatherization
Head Start/Early Head Start EmPower
History and Programs UCCAC changes people's lives, improves communities, and makes Ulster County a better place to live. We are dedicated to taking action and improving the lives of our residents.
For over 50 years, UCCAC has continued to implement the philosophy of self-help; through practical, timely, and innovative programs, providing services that emphasize and develop problem solving skills for people. To learn more about our history, visit http://uccac.org/about/mission-history/. UCCAC is governed by a diverse Board of Directors comprised of community members and leaders. The organization is led by an Executive Director and an executive team made up of the heads of departments; HR, Fiscal, Outreach, Head Start/Early Head Start, and Weatherization and EmPower.
Serving those in need, UCCAC is dedicated to assisting the disadvantaged in the community, including the poor, elderly, families, children and people with disabilities in order to enable them to live in dignity. Our services are designed to increase self-sufficiency and to empower those we service to meet human needs adequately.
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Our programs include: Outreach community services - Outreach staff assist Weatherization - a residential energy efficiency the needs of the low-income community. By program that reduces energy use. Homeowners and providing a wide range of services such as emergency renters may be eligible to receive free services on food, temporary shelter, rental assistance, fuel & their home to make it safer, more comfortable and utility assistance, and employment assistance. energy efficient.
EmPower - an energy efficiency program for tenants Early Head Start/ Head Start - provides opportunities and homeowners, funded by the New York State for social, emotional, physical and cognitive Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA). development for children from birth to five years old. Designed to help low-income households reduce Services include comprehensive health, nutrition, energy use and costs using cost-effective Electric dental health, education, mental health, parent Reduction (ER) measures such as lighting, refrigerator education & engagement, family goal setting & and freezer replacements, and Home Performance referrals, as well as supporting families in obtaining (HP) strategies. services for children with special needs.
Core Values We believe in empowering our customers so as not to foster entitlement or dependency relationships. Our core values are:
We have respect for each person. We believe in the dignity of each individual. We are customer focused. We are responsive and responsible to the community. We encourage self-sufficiency. We promote leadership and collaboration. All customer information is kept strictly confidential.
Service & Recruitment Area The service and recruitment area for UCCAC is Ulster County, New York and has recently expanded into Sullivan County. The UCCAC administrative office is located in Kingston, NY which has the largest population in the county. Three outreach centers are located in Kingston, Ellenville and Highland within Ulster County. In Sullivan County, two offices exist in Monticello and Liberty. The Weatherization Program recruits county wide applications through its outreach office and home office located in Kingston. The service and recruitment area for both the Head Start and Early Head Start project is Ulster County. Early Head Start services are currently located in the City of Kingston. Head Start Centers are located in Kingston, Saugerties, Ellenville, and Plattekill.
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SUMMARY and ULSTER AT A GLANCE Since the 2016 Community Needs Assessment, demographic data and community needs have not shown significant changes. Much of the information in this 2019 CNA is in keeping with data that has been compiled over the last decade. The goal of this report is to identify any emerging trends as well as gain a deeper understading of the community’s perception of needs. What has become clear, is that people enjoy living in Ulster County despite needs and concerns that exist. Surveys and focus groups have found that residents feel part of a strong community and there is pride in the way of life in Ulster County. It is part of a beautiful, natural landscape as well as in close proximity to New York City which creates a unique blend of urban, metropolitan, and holistic living.
There are some needs that persist, however, and this CNA aims to highlight where those needs exist in order to help guide UCCAC services and programs to ensure our work is serving this community and accomplishing our mission.
Population, Income, and Poverty The population of Ulster County has been declining since the 2010 census with live births decreasing in many areas and death rates increasing due to a larger aging population. The average size of household is 2.3 and only 23.5% of families have children with 60.8% of the population being married without children or single. While the population continues to be predominantly Caucasion, minority populations are slowly increasing, including people who report being “more than one race” or “other”. Over 11% of Ulster County residents speak a language other than English at home. With vast farming in the county, it is possible Ulster has more diversity that is not counted, due to a migrant workforce. There is more to be learned about the population of migrant workers and undocumented citizens in the county.
The economy is transitioning and tourism is emerging as a dominant industry in Ulster County. While tourism is stronger in Ulster than some surrounding counties, jobs in the industry are lower paying and do not provide a living wage to most employees. The median income is $61,652 and the unemployment rate is 4.4% which are worse than the same surrounding counties.
The poverty rate is 13% and the ALICE Threshold shows that 40% of Ulster County residents are either in poverty or above poverty but unable to meet basic necessities. The poverty rate for children is 15.9% and minority groups in the county, including gender and race, have much higher rates of poverty than White, male residents. The ALICE Household Budget calculated what it costs to pay for bare-bones necessities and found that a single person would need to make $24,192 a year just to get by and a family of four, two adults and two children, would need $66,360 a year. That would require either both parents work or one parent have a job making over $66,000 which is more than the annual average wage for the highest paying jobs in the county. Most working residents commute to work anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes which may be the result of higher paying jobs outside the county.
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UCCAC works to help people out of poverty so identifying income and poverty trends is necessary in understanding the needs of the county. We can use this data to help us target areas where need may be highest and help us determine if our services and programs are reaching those who need them. It also helps us plan for future programs when we are able to see if a need is growing. Poverty affects all aspects of one’s life. The National Association of Social Workers reports, “Poverty continues to plague a country rich in material, cultural and educational resources. A close examination of poverty reveals that it is about much more than money alone. Poverty results from a number of factors that include political, social, and economic dynamics.”
Outreach Weatherization
Head Start/Early Head Start EmPower
Heatlth, Safety, and Nutrition Health and nutrition are some of the most important factors in having a high quality of life, ensuring longer independence later in life and assisting children in achieving academically. Although there is an abundance of farmers markets and opportunities to get exercise outdoors, Ulster County ranks 31 (out of 62) in health behaviors. Access to healthy, affordable food is a problem for over a quarter of the residents and close to 30% of the adult population is considered obese. Children in Ulster County have even higher rates of obesity and 45% of students are eligible for free and reduced price lunches which could mean a bulk of their nutritional needs are relying on school lunches. Comparing neighboring counties, there are more people who smoke in Ulster County along with a higher percent of people who do not have health insurance.
Accessing healthcare is also an issue throughout the county. Ulster has fewer primary and dental care providers than the state and nation, but more pregnant women are receiving prenatal care. Teen pregnancy has also declined by almost half since 2008. Rates of childhood abuse and neglect have also been dropping since 2010, but, there has still been an increase in number of foster care admissions and a decrease in foster care discharges. Reports of violent crimes has decreased but domestic violence victims are still high in number.
UCCAC provides food resources throughout the county, is responsible for feeding the children in Head Start/Early Head Start, and links residents with with healthcare counseling among other health-related services. While we do not directly provide health or medical services, we see the impact poverty has on health and what poor health does to quality of life. With current political shifts and national changes to the healthcare system, it is important we understand how these changes are impacting the residents in Ulster County.
Outreach Head Start/Early Head Start
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Education and Childcare Education is vitally important to a child’s well-being and success. All children should have access to a safe environment in which they are able to learn and grown. Researchers are finding the huge impact early education has on a child’s success over the course of his/her education. Pre-Kindergarten participation has been increasing as well as school spending per student. Ulster spends more per student than neighboring counties, plus the state and nation. Ulster also has a higher number of students receiving special education services than the region.
While the current test scores used to determine school performance may not be an accurate representation of a child’s educational success, they are at a level that presents concern. Ulster had a 33% passing rate in 4th Grade English and 35% passing rate in Math. Scores were 21% and 24%, respectively, for students considered low-income. Ulster has had the highest dropout rates than parts of the region and GED rates have been falling. When looking at educational attainment, however, 31% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher and 30% has attained a high school diploma, which are comparable to the region and higher than the nation. There continues to be a disparity in educational success and attainment among race and ethnicity.
Childcare has grown in concern throughout the county. Based on the ALICE Household Survival Budget, for families with more than one child, childcare costs exceed all other household costs, including housing. The number of licensed providers is declining and the need for affordable childcare is at a crisis level. With limited access to quality childcare, families may be forced to utilize unlicensed and unqualified providers and caretakers which creates concern for health and safety. Licensed providers may also be struggling to meet regulations and pay employees a competitive wage as the minimum wage continues to increase.
This information can be used to determine where there may be disparities in education across the county. Students who are under achieving may have other factors affecting their performance in school and addressing those factors may cause positive change. UCCAC Head Start/Early Head Start provides early education along with case management and referral services to help the entire family navigate health, economic, and social challenges. Working to build a healthy foundation for children at an early age that ensures success throughout their education requires UCCAC HS/EHS to monitor county needs on a continual basis.
Head Start/Early Head Start
Housing Housing is a basic human need. When safe, affordable housing is not available, individuals have increased problems with their health, finances, and access to other necessities. Housing quality and affordability vary across the county. There are 84,647 units in Ulster County with 82% occupied. Of the occupied homes, 57% are homeowners and 25% are renters. The mean price for a home is
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$257,211 for a single-family home and $82,825 for a mobile home. It is estimated 21% of residents have severe housing problems. Homelessness rates have fluctuated more in Ulster County than other parts of the region and have consistently been higher. Most areas of the county exceed the affordabulity ratio for both homeownership and renting. While there are housing options for low- income residents, the need exceeds the availability and many residents report the quality of the housing is substandard. Almost 38% of homes Ulster have one ore more substandard conditions. People and organizations throughout the county report the overwhelming concern of high taxes and the lack of affordable housing.
While basic data on rates of homeownersip, rentals, and subsidized housing projects are available, more specific data on characteristics of the home itself and demographics of the homeowner are more challenging to find. UCCAC EmPower and Weatherization work on improving livability inside the home and seek information about power usage, home safety, and hazardous living conditions. Cost of owning a home has surpassed the affordabiluty threshold for most of Ulster County which makes costs of maintaining a home even more challenging for people with limited income.
Weatherization EmPower
Conclusion Because poverty impacts all areas of a person’s life, UCCAC offers services that provide support in education, housing, nutrition, health, and social services. It is our goal to remain informed on data and trends in all these areas so we are meeting the immediate need of the community. We strive to partner with other area agencies so there is a continuation of care and resources are being used as effectively as possible Our surveys and focus group results show that Ulster County offers a wide range of social services but people struggle to access those services easily. We will continue to monitor how we reach out to individuals and families so we can lessen the burden of seeking assistance.
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Ulster EDUCATION and EMPLOYMENT County Adult Population 18+ - 147,155 AT A GLANCE 9% No Degree 30% High School 3,547 Unemployed (of 93,329 work force) 10% Associate 4.4% Unemployment Rate 2018/2019 31% Bachelors or Higher COUNTY 4th Grade Student Reading Proficiency POPULATION 73% Scoring “Not Proficient” or Worse 180,129
Gender 50.4% Female HOUSING 49.6% Male Total Households 69,662 Age 18.3% Under 18 years 32% Cost Burdened Households (30% or more of income spent on housing) 63.7% 18-64 years 21% Severe Housing Problems 18% 65+ years 31% Renter Occupied Housing
Race and Ethnicity 85.5% White 5.7% African American 0.2% American Indian NUTRITION and HEALTH 2.1% Asian 31 Health Ranking (out of 62) 3.9% Multiple Race 2.5% Other Race 6.9% Uninsured 25.13% Low Food Access 9.8% Hispanic/Latino 28% Obese Adults
54% Urban 46% Rural
POVERTY – 13.2% COUNTY RATE
RACE
White – 11.3% (16,956) African American – 32% (2,717) Data is taken from the Hispanic/Latino – 25.6% (4,097) AGE ACS 2013-2017 Children under 18 – 15.9% (5,079) Estimates, NYSCAA 46% Children Eligible Adults 18-64 – 13.5% (14,659) 2019 Reports, and County Health for Free/Reduced Lunch Seniors 65+ - 9.3% (2,944) Rankings.
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COMMUNITY PROFILE Ulster County was founded in 1683 and is located in the southeast part of New York State, on the eastern edge of the Catskills and to the west of the Hudson River. On the eastern side of the river is Dutchess County, to the north is Greene County, and to the south is Orange County. Sullivan County borders Ulster to the Southwest and Delaware County lies to the Northeast. Ulster County is reached by Trailways bus and by car via the New York Thruway and other major roads on both sides of the Hudson. Access by Amtrak is on the Eastern side of the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie and Rhinecliff. Metro North also serves Poughkeepsie and points south.
Kingston is the County seat and is located 60 miles south of Albany and 100 miles north of New York City. Much of the county is within the Catskill Mountains. The county consists of rural, suburban, and urban communities. Between the Catskill Mountains and Forest Preserve, Ulster county has over ¼ million acres of forever-wild woodlands. The county has a total of 1,161 square miles and contains one city, twenty towns, and four villages.i
Table 1 shows, in the 2010 US census report, Ulster had 182,531 residents which was a population increase from the 2000 Census of 177,749 residents. The 2016 ACS (American Community Survey) 5- year Estimates showed a population of 180,505 which is about a 1% decrease from the 2010 Census. The ACS 2017 estimates report a population of 179,417 which echoes the Cornell Program Projections, showing a continued decrease over the next 20 years with total births declining and total deaths increasingii.
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Table 2 looks at the population in Ulster County towns and cities. It compares 2010 census data with 2015 ACS estimates and shows the largest populations are in Kingston, Saugerties, Shawangunk, and New Paltz down to the least populated municipalities being Denning and Hardenburgh. Populations have decreased around 1-2% in every municipality other than the towns of New Paltz and Kingston.
Ulster County Population Change 2000-2017 Population Change 2000 US Census 177,749 2010 US Census 182,531 +4,782 2016 ACS estimates 180,505 -2,026 2017 ACS estimates 179,417 -1,088 Source: https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml Table 1 – Ulster County Population Change 2000-2017
Population by Municipality 2010-2015 City and Towns Population 2010 Population 2015 Change Kingston (city) 23,893 23,436 -457 Saugerties (town) 19,482 19,187 -295 Shawangunk (town) 14,332 14,138 -194 New Paltz (town) 14,003 14,179 +176 Wawarsing (town) 13,157 12,925 -232 Ulster (town) 12,327 12,278 -49 Lloyd (town) 10,863 10,612 -251 Plattekill (town) 10,499 10,304 -195 Esopus (town) 9,041 8,889 -152 Marlborough (town) 8,808 8,705 -103 Rochester (town) 7,313 7,253 -60 Hurley (town) 6,314 6,168 -146 Rosendale (town) 6,075 5,951 -124 Woodstock (town) 5,884 5,869 -15 Gardiner (town) 5,713 5,691 -22 Marbletown (town) 5,607 5,544 -63 Olive (town) 4,419 4,345 -74 Shandaken (town) 3,085 3,002 -83 Kingston (town) 889 892 +3 Denning (town) 551 545 -6 Hardenburgh (town) 238 230 -8 Source: https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF and Cornell Program on Applied Demographics Table 2 – Population by Municipality 2010-2015
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DEMOGRAPHICS The UCCAC, Inc. Community Needs Assessment completed in 2016 drew much of its demographic data from the ACS 2010-2014 estimates. Much of the demographic data in this assessment comes from the ACS 2012-2016 and 2013-2017 estimates.
Gender Age
18 18.3 Gender 50.4% Female 49.6% Male
Female Male 63 Under 18 18-64 years 65+ years Age Graph 1 - Gender 18% Under 18 years Graph 2 - Age 63% 18-64 years 18% 65+ years Breakdown of children under 18
Children under 18 8,066 8,066 0-4 (HS/EHS Age) 24,908 5-17 Years
24,908 Race and Ethnicity 85.5% White 0-4 (HS/EHS Age) 5-17 years 5.7% African American Graph 3 - Breakdown of Children under 18 Ethnicity 0.2% American Indian 2.1 % Asian 3.9% Multiple Race 2.5% Other Race Race
9.8% Hispanic/Latino
Hispanic/Latino Not Hispanic/Latino County Location 54% Urban Graph 4 - Ethnicity 46% Rural White African American American Indian Asian Multiple Race Other Race Graph 5 - Race
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HOUSEHOLDS The United States Census Bureau defines “household” as, “consisting of all people who occupy a housing unit regardless of relationship. A household may consist of a person living alone or multiple unrelated individuals or families living together”iii.
Table 3 - Ulster County Households
Ulster County Households Number Percent Table 3 shows the biggest percentage of Dist. households is considered “family households” with the biggest percent of those being married without children. A Total Households 69,662 100% Non-Family Household can include Family Households 43,393 62.3% individuals living alone, foster children, or Married with Children 11,136 16.1% Married without Children 21,173 30.5% two or more inhabitants that are not related Single Parents 5,126 7.4% by birth, marriage, or adoption. Non-Family Other 5,614 8.1% Households make up close to 38% of the Non-Family Households 26,269 37.7% population. Living Alone 21,086 30. 3% Average Household Size 2.4 Disability Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2013-17 ACS Estimates and Ulster has around 13.6% of the population http://www.statsamerica.org/USCP/ considered disabled, above both the state and nation in percent of people with a disability according to the 2013-2017 ACS Percent Population with a Disability iv Comparison, 2017 estimates shown in Graph 6 . The 2013- 14.00% 2017 estimates report 9.3% of the
13.50% population under the age of 65 having a disabilityv. 13.00%
12.50% Language
12.00% English is the primary language spoken throughout the county but for 11.1% of 11.50% persons over the age of 5, a language other 11.00% than English is spoken at home. In 2015, the 10.50% most common non-English language spoken 10.00% in Ulster County was Spanish with 5.5% of ULSTER STATE USA the overall population being a native Graph 6 - Percent Population with a Disability Comparison, 2017 Spanish speaker.
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Compared to other counties, Ulster also has a relatively high population that is native Italian-speaking. In 2015, there were 1,133 native Italian speakers living in Ulster, approximately 2.96 times more than would be expected based on the language's frequency in the US more broadly.vi
A linguistically isolated household is one Percent Linguistically Isolated Population in which all persons age 14 years or older 8.00% who speak a language other than English 7.00% do not speak English “very well”vii. Ulster 6.00% County has less than 2% of the population who are considered 5.00% linguistically isolated as seen in Graph 4.00% 7viii. 3.00% 2.00% With technology being an important in
1.00% today’s every-day life, having access to cellular phones, computers, and internet 0.00% ULSTER STATE USA is increasingly important. In the county, 88% of households have a computer and Graph 7 - Percent Linguistically Isolated Population 81% have broadband internetix.
ECONOMY The Ulster County Government website reports tourism and farming are an important part of the county’s economy with this explanation; “Farms, farmer’s markets and stands are an integral part of Ulster County’s landscape. The farmer’s markets, particularly, have enjoyed a resurgence with organic and mini farms supplying fresh produce to locals and visitors alike”x. In 2015 the Ulster County Economic Development Alliance conducted research to better understand the economic industries in the County. They published their report, An Industry Targeting Analysis, with the intention to compare various aspects of the demographics and economics of surrounding counties to better understand the ways in which Ulster County compares in terms of its ability to sustain and/or attract economic activity. The report explains: “Ulster County is at a critical juncture in the transition of its economy. Since the closing of the IBM Kingston facility over 20 years ago, there has been no one sector that has dominated the local economy like the computer giant. Health services, retail, tourism and other sectors have contributed to the local economy, often producing rates of job growth at or near the top of New York’s counties. In the past decade or so, the outlines of a new economic base may have begun to emerge in the County. Many local employers have occupied specialized niches offering innovative products or processes to serve new markets. The Hudson Valley and Catskills regions emerged as major tourism destinations, their longstanding reputations for outdoor recreation now complemented by the Valley’s emergence as an important wine and food destination.”xi
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When looking at the amount the county government spends per Spending by County Government Comparison, (per capita), 2008-2016 capita, we see a decrease from ten years ago with a slight increase $2,500 $2,000 xii since 2014 as seen in Graph 8 . $1,500 We also see that Ulster falls behind $1,000 Orange County in spending but is $500 $0 higher than Dutchess County. 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Dutchess Orange Ulster Tourism is a significant industry in Ulster County due to many Graph 8 - Spending by County Government (per capita), 2008-2016 outdoor activities and its proximity between New York City Tourism Revenue Comparison and the Catskill Mountains. (per resident), 2006-2016 Graph 9 shows Ulster County $4,000 tourism revenue exceeds that of $2,000 Dutchess and Orange Countiesxiii. $0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Table 4 lists food service and Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) accommodation businesses in the county which is related to tourism. Graph 9 - Tourism Revenue Comparison (per resident), 2006-2016
Ulster County Food Service and Accommodation 2012 Meaning of 2012 NAICS code Number of Sales Annual payroll Number of paid establishments ($1,000) ($1,000) employees Accommodation and food services 546 $367,274 $117,444 6655 Hotels (except casino hotels) and 40 $98,893 $39,423 1505 motels Bed-and-breakfast inns 13 $3,614 $907 43 RV (recreational vehicle) parks and 7 D D 20-99 campgrounds Recreational and vacation camps 9 $17,316 $6,393 153 (except campgrounds) Rooming and boarding houses 2 D D 0-19 Special food services 28 $33,343 $9,533 607 Drinking places (alcoholic 25 $5,217 $1,229 143 beverages) Restaurants and other eating places 422 $202,453 $58,338 4172 Source: https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk D=Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual companies; data are included in higher level totals Table 4 - Ulster County Food Service and Accommodation 2012
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Accommodation and Food Services have the second highest number of establishments behind Retail but has the third highest number of employees behind Health Care and Social Assistance. Table 5 lists the economic industries in Ulster County.
Ulster Economic Industries 2012 Meaning of 2012 Number of Value of Annual Number of Number of NAICS code establishments business payroll employees nonemployer done ($1,000) establishments ($1,000) Utilities 4 Q D 100-249 D Manufacturing 170 D $170,233 3518 283 Wholesale trade 159 $810,449 $71,314 1504 N Retail trade 733 $2,324,885 $211,799 8606 1297 Transportation and 120 $132,992 $49,124 2033 334 warehousing (104) Information 101 N $38,224 883 310 Finance and insurance 205 N $125,330 2500 286 Real estate and rental 195 $116,555 $21,999 732 1582 and leasing Professional, 443 $189,252 $69,090 1601 2327 scientific, and technical services Administrative, 228 $123,033 $41,378 1704 1016 support, waste management and remediation services Educational services 54 $21,250 $5,951 400 497 Health care and social 514 $741,441 $312,408 8991 1455 assistance Arts, entertainment, 168 $110,511 $29,169 1164 1804 and recreation Accommodation and 546 $367,274 $117,444 6655 227 food services Other services (except 322 $114,948 $28,574 1229 1737 public administration) Source: https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk# Q=Revenue not collected at this level of detail for multi establishment firms D=Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual companies; data are included in higher level totals N=Not available or not comparable Table 5 - Ulster Economic Industries 2012
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INCOME AND POVERTY A county comparison of median household income from the ACS 2012-2016 estimates shows the median income in Ulster County is and has been lower that Dutchess County, Orange County, and New York State (excluding NYC). The current estimate is lower than the 2000 census and 2007-2011 estimates as seen in Graph 10.
Median Household Income County Median Household Income by $100,000 Comparison Race/Ethnicity, 2016 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0 $0 Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS Asian Black or Hispanic White (excluding African 2000 2007-11 2012-16 NYC) American
Graph 10 - Median Household Income County Comparison Graph 11 - Median Household Income by Race/Ethnicity, 2016
Graph 11 looks at the median household income by Race/Ethnicity and shows White and Asian households have higher median incomes than Black/African American and Hispanic. White households have almost double that of Black/African American households. Graph 12 shows the median incomes for the municipalities throughout the county. From the lowest to the highest, there is almost a $40,000 difference between some communities.
Ulster Median Household Income by Municipality
$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0
Olive
Lloyd
Ulster
Hurley
Esopus
Denning
Plattekill Gardiner
Ellenville
Rochester
Rosendale
Shandaken
Wawarsing
Woodstock
Marbletown
Shawangunk Marlborough
Hardenburgh
Kingston (city) Kingston
Kingston (town) Kingston
New Paltz (town) New Saugerties (town)
Paltz (village) New Saugerties (village)
2012-16 2007-11
Graph 12 - Ulster Median Household Income by Municipality
Data for graphs 10-12 were found on the Mid Hudson Valley Profiles websitexiv.
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Poverty in Ulster County for 2013-2017 estimates is 13%. Graph 13 shows poverty in Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess Counties from 2000-2016. The 2010-2014 ACS estimates cited in our 2016 CNA, reported an 11% poverty rate which would make it appear that poverty has fluctuated between 11 and 13% in Ulster County since 2000. Dutchess appears to consistently have lower poverty rates than Ulster and Orange. For more poverty comparisons among counties go to POVERTY COUNTY COMPARISONS.
People Living in Poverty Comparison, Ulster Population Living in Poverty by 2000-2016 Race/Ethnicity, 2016 15% 35% 30% 10% 25% 20% 15% 5% 10% 5% 0% 0% 2000 2007-11 2012-16 Asian Black or Hispanic White African Dutchess Orange Ulster American
Graph 13 - People Living in Poverty Comparison, 2000-2016 Graph 14 – Ulster Population Living in Poverty by Race/Ethnicity, 2016
Similar to median income, Graph 14 highlights a disparity among race and poverty. According to ACS estimates, 20% more Black/African American residents live in poverty than White residents. We also see disparities among municipalities in the county with there being a 25% difference among some locations. Graph 15 shows the poverty rates throughout the county.
Ulster Residents Living in Poverty by Municipality, 2016
25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
Olive
Lloyd
Ulster
Ulster
Hurley
Orange
Esopus
Denning
Dutchess
Plattekill Gardiner
Ellenville
Rochester
Rosendale
Shandaken
Wawarsing
Woodstock
Marbletown
Shawangunk Marlborough
Hardenburgh
Kingston (city) Kingston
Kingston (town) Kingston New Paltz (town) New
Saugerties (town)
Graph 15 - Ulster Residents Living in Poverty by Municipality, 2016
Data for graphs 13-15 were found on the Mid Hudson Valley Profiles websitexv.
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The United Way drafts The ALICE Reports which use standardized ALICE Thresholds for Ulster Households, 2016 measurements to calculate the 100% 90% cost of a bare-bones household 80% budget in each county in 70% 40,302 participating states, and to 60% quantify the number of 50% households that cannot afford 40% 30% even that. Their research website 20,352 20% explains: “It is an alternative 10% 7,644 measure to the outdated Federal 0% Poverty Level, which grossly 68,298 underestimates the number of Poverty Household ALICE Household Above ALICE Household struggling families”. Graph 16 - ALICE Threshold for Ulster Households, 2016
Graphs 16 and 17 show the ALICE Threshold for Ulster Municipalities, 2016 ALICE Thresholds for Ulster 100% xvi 90% County and Municipalities . 80% When factoring in poverty 70% 60% and households struggling to 50% 40% afford necessities, the 30% percent of lower-income 20% 10% families rises to over 40% and
0% up to almost 60% in some
Olive Lloyd
Ulster locations.
Hurley
Esopus
Denning
Kingston
Plattekill Gardiner
New Paltz New
Rochester
Rosendale
Saugerties
Shandaken
Wawarsing
Woodstock
Marbletown
Shawangunk
Kingston city Kingston Marlborough Hardenburgh Poverty Household ALICE Household Above ALICE Household Graph 17 - ALICE Threshold for Ulster Municipalities, 2016
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IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS – COMMUNITY PROFILE
The population in Ulster County is decreasing in almost every municipality except the towns of Shawangunk and Kingston. Basic demographics of the population have stayed consistent with the 2016 CNA data. (p.10) -White/Caucasian residents make up 85.5% of the population, 5.7% are African American, and 6.4% are multiple or other races. -Birth rates have fallen over the years while death rates have increased due to a larger population of older adults aging. (p.11)
For 11.1% of persons over the age of 5, a language other then English is spoken at home with 5% being Spanish. Ulster has fewer linguistically isolated households than NYS and US. 9.6% of residents are Hispanic/Latino. (p.12)
Rates of disability in Ulster are higher than NYS and US. Almost 20% of people in Ulster County do not have broadband internet in their homes. (p.12)
Most households are “family households” and there are almost twice as many “married without children” than “married with children”. 37.7% are “non-family” and 30.3% are “living alone”. 7.4% of households are “single parents”. (p.12)
Ulster County’s economy is transitioning and there has been no single sector that has dominated since IBM closed. Tourism is higher in Ulster than in the region and emerging as an important part of the economy. (p.13)
The median income is lower than NYS, Orange and Dutchess. African American and Hispanic residents have lower median incomes than White and Asian. There are large gaps in income between municipalities, a $40,000 difference between some. 12 municipalities out of 24 have seen a decrease in median income since the 2007-11 estimates. (p.16)
The poverty rate is 13%. Ulster and Orange both have a higher poverty rate than Dutchess. The poverty rate is 20% higher for African American residents than White. (p.13) The ALICE threshold shows 40% of Ulster residents are not able to afford bare-bones necessities. (p.16)
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CHILDREN
DEMOGRAPHICS and POVERTY Children, ages 0-17, make up 18.6% of the Gender Breakdown Of Ulster Children Ages Ulster County population. Graph 18 0-17, 2017 shows gender is close to equal between 0-4 Female age groups. 13% Table 6 shows the number of live births in 5-17 Male 0-4 Male 37% 12% Ulster County Districts from 2012-2016. From 2012-2015 there was a decline by 185 births in the county but an increase in almost 100 from 2015 to 2016. Just as the 5-17 Female county as a whole is seeing a population 38% decline, only three out of nine school Graph 18 - Gender Breakdown of Ulster Children Ages 0-17, 2017 districts saw an increase in live births from 2015-16.
Live Births in Ulster County School Districts, 2012-2016 Table 6 - Live Births in Ulster County School Districts, 2012-2016 School District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Determining accurate Ellenville 106 110 96 118 100 statistics for children is Kingston 585 543 554 553 561 difficult due to methods of Saugerties 181 192 175 171 177 data collection. The 2018 Kids Wallkill 188 170 131 198 161 Count Data Book State Trends in Child Well-Being suggests Highland 121 121 130 106 119 that the census has an Marlboro 122 112 140 142 117 undercount of childrenxvii. It New Paltz 111 111 127 100 89 states, “the census Onteora 75 85 83 75 73 undercounts children younger Rondout than 5 at a much higher rate 134 147 118 139 137 Valley than any other age group.” Subtotal 1623 1591 1554 1602 1534 Researchers have offered some ideas as to why Source: https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/vital_statistics/2015/table54.htm#P including complex living arrangements, highly mobile families, homeless and households without an adult fluent in English. Families living in poverty or headed by young adults without a high school diploma are also less likely to respond to the census than more affluent households.xviii
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Poverty data in this section can vary depending on source because the data is mostly derived from census estimates over several estimate years and not all sources are using the same estimates. The 2013-17 ACS estimates show the Ulster County poverty rate is around 13% and the poverty rate for children 0-17 is 15.9% and children under five is 15.2%. Table 7 uses the 2012-16 estimates and shows poverty among children ages 0-4 as broken down by race and ethnicity.
Poverty Ages 0-4 by Race and Ethnicity Report Non- Black or Native Asian Native Some Multiple Percent Percent Area Hispanic African American / Hawaiian / Other Race Hispanic Not White American Alaska Pacific Race / Latino Hispanic Native Islander or Latino Ulster 15.19% 54.92% no data 7.42% no data 15.79% 27.77% 34.13% 18.06% County, NY New York 16.13% 35.17% 32.9% 19.6% 13.87% 37.81% 23.11% 32.18% 20.55% United 14.39% 42.19% 40.15% 12.1% 28.49% 36.8% 23.78% 33.36% 20.21% States Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 Table 7 – Poverty Ages 0-4 by Race and Ethnicity Graph 19 looks at the percent of children under 18 in poverty throughout the county from 2000-20161. In some areas the poverty rate has fluctuated considerably since 2000 and some have been consistent. Kingston City, Ellenville, and Hardenburgh appear to have the highest child poverty in recent estimates. Denning, Marlborough, and Rosendale have the lowest.
Ulster Children, Under 18, Living in Poverty per Municipality, 2000-2016 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5%
0%
Olive
Lloyd
Ulster
Hurley
Esopus
Denning
Plattekill
Gardiner
Ellenville
Rochester
Rosendale
Shandaken
Wawarsing
Woodstock
Marbletown
Shawangunk
Ulster County Ulster
Marlborough
Hardenburgh
Kingston (city) Kingston
Kingston (town) Kingston
NYS (minus NYC) (minus NYS
New Paltz (town) New
Saugerties (town)
New Paltz (village) New Saugerties (village)
2000 2007-11 2012-16
Graph 19 - Percent Ulster Children, Under 18, Living in Poverty by Municipality, 2000-2016
1 Multiyear results are from rolling American Community Survey. * Margin of error can be higher than 50%. The Census Bureau asks people to identify their race (white, African-American, etc.) separate from their ethnicity (Hispanic or non- Hispanic). The totals for these categories cannot be added together, as people show up in both a racial and ethnic group.
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Table 8 reflects the languages spoken at home for children below the poverty level, ages 5 to 17 years, by School District. The primary language throughout the county is English as most residents identify as White/Non-Hispanic. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the county with an estimated 5.5% being native Spanish-speakers as referenced in the DEMOGRAPHICS section. The table shows more Spanish-speaking families living in poverty with the Onteora School District having the highest percentage of Spanish-speaking children living in poverty as well as the highest percent of other Indo- European Languages spoken. Most School districts show no children in poverty who speak Asian and Pacific Island languages except for 11.2% in New Paltz.
Language Spoken at Home, Children 5-17 Years, Below Poverty, 2016
Ellenville Highland Kingston Marlboro New Onteora Rondout Saugerties Wallkill Ulster Central Central City Central Paltz Central Valley Central Central County School School School School Central School Central School School District District District District School District School District District District District Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Total Only 93.8% 94.6% 80.3% 100.0% 88.8% 51.8% 100.0% 88.9% 88.2% 85.8% English Only 0.0% 5.4% 16.3% 0.0% 0.0% 40.2% 0.0% 11.1% 11.8% 11.4% Spanish Other 6.2% 0.0% 2.1% 0.0% 0.0% 8.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.9% Indo- European languages Asian and 0.0% 0.0% 1.3% 0.0% 11.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9% Pacific Island Languages Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016, B16009 Table 8 - Language Spoken at Home, Children 5-17 Years, Below Poverty, 2016
Percent Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Price Lunch by School District, 2014-2017 Graph 20 looks at school children 80% 70% eligible for free and reduced price 60% 50% lunches throughout the districtsxix. 40% 30% Almost all school districts have had 20% 10% increasing numbers of children eligible 0% with Ellenville and Kingston City having much higher than the other districts. New Paltz has the lowest numbers among the school districts. 2014 2015 2016 2017
Graph 20 - Percent Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Price Lunch by School District, 2014-2017
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HEALTH, SAFETY and NUTRITION New York ranks 4 out of 50 states on Health according to the 2018 Kids Count Data Book State Trends in Child Well-Beingxx. “Children’s health is fundamental to their overall development, and ensuring kids are born healthy is the first step toward improving their life chances. Family violence, inadequate housing, lack of preventive health care, maternal depression, poor nutrition, poverty and substance abuse undermine children’s health. Poor health in childhood affects other critical aspects of a child’s life, such as school readiness and attendance, and can have lasting consequences on his or her future health and well-being.” Ulster Rate of Child Abuse and Neglect, 2002-2017 Graph 21 shows the rate of child abuse 30 and neglect in Ulster County from 2002-2017xxi. After a spike in abuse 20 and neglect incidents in 2010, the 10 county has seen a decline, though the 0 rate is still higher in 2017 than it was 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2017 in 2002. Ulster NYS (minus NYC)
Graph 21 - Ulster Rate of Child Abuse and Neglect, 2002-2017
Graph 22 shows the Ulster rate of foster care admissionsxxii and Graph 23 shows the foster care trendsxxiii.
Ulster County Foster Care Trends, Ulster Rate of Foster Care 2013-2017 Admissions, 2011-17 200 4
150 3
100 2
50 1
0 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
In care Admissions Discharges Ulster NYS (excluding NYC)
Graph 22 - Ulster County Foster Care Trends, 2013-2017 Graph 23 - Ulster Rate of Foster Care Admissions, 2011-17 According to the 2017 Monitoring and Analysis Profiles with Selected Trend data: 2013-2017 Report, Ulster County has seen an increase in the number of foster care admissions and the number of children in care between 2013 and 2017 while the number of children discharged has decreased. In 2017, there were 106 foster care admissions for Ulster County children ages newborn-21 years, 158 children in care and 82 were discharged from foster care. Ulster County continues to have higher admissions than NY State.
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Ulster County has an overall health outcome ranking of 31/62 New York Counties. Some indicators of health are seen in infant mortality, early prenatal care, and teen pregnancies. Graph 24 compares infant mortality rates across the region and shows dips and spikes among all the counties varying between rates of 3 and 7 over the last ten yearsxxiv.
Infant Mortality Rate Comparison, 2007-2017 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2
1 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Dutchess Orange Ulster Graph 24 - Infant Mortality Rate Comparison, 2007-2017
Early Prenatal Care by Mother's Ulster Number of Teen Pregnancies, Race/Ethnicity, 2015 2008-2015 350 Other 300 250 Hispanic 200 150 Black or African American 100 White 50 0 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Graph 25 - Early Prenatal Care by Mother's Race/Ethnicity, 2015 Graph 26 - Ulster Number of Teen Pregnancies, 2008-2015
Graph 25 looks at early prenatal care by race and shows more White women received early care than more minority women with the fewest being African American womenxxv. Graph 26 shows a decline in number of teen pregnancies in the county since 2008 with the number leveling out in 2014-2015xxvi.
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Birth weight is an important indicator Low Birth Weigt Babies Comparison, 2007-2017 of an infant’s health. Babies born at a 10.00% low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) 9.00% have a high probability of experiencing 8.00% developmental problems and short- 7.00% 6.00% and long-term disabilities. They are 5.00% also at greater risk of dying within the 4.00% first year of life. Infections, multiple 3.00% 2.00% births, obesity, poor nutrition, poverty, 1.00% smoking, stress and violence can 0.00% increase the chances of a baby being 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 born at a low birth weightxxvii. Graph Dutchess Orange Ulster 27 shows the rate of low birth weight Graph 27 - Low Birth Weight Babies Comparison, 2007-2017 babies in Ulster and surrounding counties from 2007-2017xxviii. Low birth weight has stayed consistent around 7% over the last 10 years with a slight increase around 2014.
Ulster Children Overweight or Obese By Graph 28 looks at percentages of Grade, 2014-2018 overweight and obese children in the county by district total and grade PCT OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE PCT OVERWEIGHT PCT OBESE level. It shows the percent of overweight and obese children have
22 22.5 not changed much since 2014 and 19.9 20.2 18.9 18.7 identifies there being more obese 18.1 18.1 17.1 16.2 16.8 16 children than overweight children. Totals of overweight and obese
37 35.1 40.2 37 34.7 40.5 children are between 35% and 40% among the district. Graph 29 compares obesity among the school districts in the county and shows Kingston City has the highest number of overweight and obese children with New Paltz School District having the lowest.xxix Graph 28 - Ulster Children Overweight or Obese by Grade, 2014-2018
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The childhood obesity rate Ulster Children Overweight or Obese By School District, 2016-2018 for the Kingston School District is 44% higher than PCT OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE PCT OVERWEIGHT PCT OBESE the national state and county averagesxxx. 23.8 19.5 21.2 19.9 19 21.2 19.5 19 19 20.1 16.5 17.6 10.2 15.4 15.9 15.7 The school district with 14.7 11.7 42.9 36.4 38.5 38.8 37.2 the fewest students 24.9 34.3 35.2 31.8 overweight or obese is New Paltz at 24.9%
Graph 29 - Ulster Children Overweight or Obese by School District, 2016-2018
It is widely accepted that asthma and food allergies among children have been on the rise for a couple decades. While there is no definitive understanding why, treating these chronic illnesses impacts families and communities. Impacts on children and their parents can be seen in leisure activities, schooling, and emotional changes. Asthma is one of the leading reasons for children missing school.
Graph 30 shows the rate of Ulster County Asthma Emergency Department Visits, Ages 0-4, 2005-2014 asthma emergency department visits for children 0-4xxxi. There has 140 been a decrease from 2005-07 120 119.7 reports with some fluctuation 100 102.6 2 87.3 88.7 86.8 between 2011 and 2014 . 82.4 80 77 80.9
60 In 2016, The Times Herald Record reported that Ulster County had 40 found high lead levels throughout 20 the county and required more 0 testing be done. 20 out of 29 2005-07 2006-08 2007-09 2008-10 2009-11 2010-12 2011-13 2012-14 samples showed lead levels higher Graph 30 - Ulster County Asthma Emergency Department Visits, Ages 0-4, 2005-2014 than the federal level.xxxii Ulster County proactively tested and worked to remediate problem areas. For this assessment, lead levels were researched but could not find comprehensive county reports after 2012.
2 Rate per 10,000
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EDUCATION and CHILD CARE According to a report released by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the cost of child care in New York is rising by $730 per year. County-by-county estimates show that costs are rising across age levels in every corner of the state. Families across New York are paying approximately $10,400 per year for an infant, $9,100 per year for a toddler and $8,300 per year for a school-aged child.
Ulster County Child Care Providers by Type, 2012-2017 The number of Ulster County 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 % providers by the type of care is change shown in Table 9. There has been Legally Exempt 234 232 216 228 209 160 (31%) a child care provider decline of 21% between 2012 and 2017. Family Day Care 89 86 80 70 71 69 (22%) Child Care Connections estimates Group Family Day 44 43 44 41 39 37 (15%) that there are only 19% of Child Care Care slots available in Ulster School Age Child 10 9 10 15 15 17 70% County as compared to the Care estimated need for child care and Day Care Center 40 40 40 43 41 43 7% reports, “The need for additional Total Child Care 417 410 390 397 375 326 (21%) child care slots, especially for Providers infants and toddlers is at a crisis Source: Family of Woodstock 2018 Programmatic Overview level”xxxiii.
Table 9 - Ulster County Child Care Providers by Type, 2012-2017
In 2016, about 2.4% of Ulster Children Receiving Subsidized Child Care County's children under 13 Comparison, 2007-2016 participated in subsidized child 3.00% care, higher than both Orange and 2.50% Dutchess Counties. The rate is
2.00% relatively unchanged since 2007, and Ulster has consistently had the 1.50% highest rate of subsidized child 1.00% care participation in the region 0.50% and is shown in Graph 31xxxiv. The 0.00% number of families receiving such 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 help can be a partial measure of Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) the number of working poor Graph 31 - Children Receiving Subsidized Child Care Comparison, 2007-2016 people in a region.
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Parents who cannot pay for child care on their own may be unable to work or may leave children unsupervised. Recent estimates show an increase in cost of childcare as the minimum wage increases and the cost of staff is passed to the families, as Ulster County Child Care Costs reported by Family of Woodstock Child Care Connections. In Ulster County, care for a child
$9,620 $11,362 under two years old could cost $11,362 a year shown in Graph 32. Care for a child 3-5 years old could be $10,140 and 6-12 years $9,620 a year. While illegal child care has been declining, there is $10,140 a growing concern that lack of child care options UNDER 2 YEARS OLD 3-5 YEARS OLD 6-12 YEARS OLD and the unaffordability could result in more xxxv Graph 32 - Ulster County Child Care Costs people seeking poor options.
The percentage of children receiving special education services is shown in Graph 33. From 2000 to 2016, there was an increase of almost 3% in Ulster County. In 2016, 6.7% of all 3 to 5-year-olds in the region and 6.2% in the state were receiving special education services. Ulster had the highest rate at 7.6%, followed by Dutchess at 7.3% and Orange at 6.7%.xxxvi The Ulster County Department of Preschoolers Receiving Special Education Services, Social Services operates both an Comparison, 2000-2016 Early Intervention (EI) and a 10.00% Preschool Special Education 8.00% Program in conjunction with the 6.00% New York State Department of 4.00% Health and Department of 2.00% Education. The Early Intervention
0.00% Services Program serves children 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 between birth and age two and Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) the Preschool Program serves children ages 3 to 5. The most Graph 33 - Preschoolers Receiving Special Education Services Comparison, 2000-2016 recent numbers are around 390 children enrolled and receiving services in the Early Intervention Program and approximately 690 referrals with about 480 children enrolled and receiving services in the Preschool Program. An estimated 40-45% of the children are enrolled in Medicaid. Rita Wood, Director of Ulster County Early Intervention & Preschool Programs, reports that the program continues to see an increase in children with behavioral over physical or developmental disabilities. Ms. Wood explains that the partner agencies in the county are working to provide services but there are not enough licensed therapists for the number of children in need of services.xxxvii
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Students Age 6-21 Receiving Special Education Graph 34 looks at special education Services Comparison, 2010-2016 services for students ages 6-21. Ulster County has seen a higher increase 14.00% xxxviii 12.00% since 2010 than the region. 10.00% 8.00% Graph 35 shows how many students 6.00% are receiving special education 4.00% 2.00% services in the Ulster school districts. 0.00% Most districts in 2016 were at the 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 highest number of students receiving Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) special education services since 2010.
Graph 34 - Students Age 6-21 Receiving Special Education Services Comparison, 2010-2016
Ulster Students Receving Special Education by School District, 2010-2016
20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Graph 35 - Ulster Students Receiving Special Education by School District, 2010-2016
Table 10 shows the percent of Students with IEP and ELL by District, 2015-2016 students in each district who are District Total Number of ELL % Students English Language Learners (ELL) or Students Teachers (formerly LEP) With IEPs Students have an Individual Education Plan Ellenville 1751 123 75 20.5% (IEP). Five out of the nine Ulster Highland 1801 136 16 16.2% County School Districts have 20% Kingston 6312 515 283 26.0% or more children with IEP’s. Marlboro 1981 146 45 17.7% Kingston has the highest at 26% New Paltz 2229 178 48 17.2% while Wallkill and Highland have Onteora 1347 140 36 20.9% Rondout 1940 190 16 20% the lowest. Kingston also has the Valley highest number of ELL students Saugerties 2577 204 62 21.6% with 4.5%, followed by Ellenville Wallkill 3025 242 59 15.2% with 4.3%. Rondout Valley has the Source: National Center for Education Statistics lowest. Table 10 - Students with IEP and ELL by District, 2015-2016
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In 2016, school districts in the region spent $23,150 per student, almost $250 more than the state figure. School spending per student has grown considerably, increasing 57% across the region since 2000, even after adjusting for inflation. Spending in Ulster County school districts was the highest, about $25,000 per student, followed by Dutchess at $22,600 and Orange at $22,800 as seen in Graph 36. Spending by school district has remained fairly consistent since 2010. Onteora has the highest spending and New Paltz has the lowest as seen in Graph 37.xxxix
Per-Student Spending Comparison Per-Student Spending by School $30,000 District, 2016 $25,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $10,000 $0 $5,000 $0 2000 2010 2012 2014 2016
Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) 2016
Graph 36 - Per Student Spending Comparison, 2000-2016 Graph 37 - Per Student Spending by School District, 2016
Bullying has become a national topic of concern and is even part of the current First Lady’s platform. With today’s youth communicating heavily through social media, schools are tasked with understanding all the ways bullying can take place. Graphs 393 and 38 show bullying rates in the region and throughout Ulster’s school districts. Since 2011, Ulster has had the highest incidence of bullying than Dutchess, Orange, and NY State but has seen a decline since 2015. The Kingston District has a considerably higher rate of bullying than the rest of the districts.xl
Bullying Rates Comparison, 2010-2016 Ulster School Districts Bullying Rates, 20 2016 35 15 30 25 10 20 15 5 10 5 0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC)
Graph 38 - Bullying Rates Comparison, 2010-2016 Graph 39 – Ulster School Districts Bullying Rates, 2016 2018Comparison, 2016
3 Rates are per 1,000 students
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Early reading and learning skills build a foundation for educational success. Prekindergarten programs are designed to prepare children for school settings and continued learning. Graph 40 compares prekindergarten participation (participation in free programs) among the region and shows large increase from 2008-2009 and a steady rate until 2014 with the start of another increase.xli
Prekindergarten Participation Comparison, 2002-2016 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 2002 2004 2006 2008 2009 2010 2012 2014 2016
Region Dutchess Orange Ulster
Graph 40 - Prekindergarten Participation Comparison, 2002-2016 Student success has long been measured by performance on standardized tests. The following tables show passing rates on Math and English tests of all Grade 4 students in the Ulster districts as well as passing rates on Math and English tests of low-income Grade 4 students. Table 11 shows New Paltz and Onteora had the highest percent of passing rates on Grade 4 English, but no district had over 45% passing. The opt out rate of the exams was 35% which may skew the results.
Student Performance on Grade 4 English
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Ulster 61% 27% 27% 26% 29% 33%
Ulster School Districts Ellenville 55% 17% 14% 20% 20% 19% Highland 60% 37% 30% 36% 33% 40% Kingston 60% 20% 22% 20% 21% 25% Marlboro 62% 31% 27% 44% 45% 39% New Paltz 64% 46% 44% 33% 54% 45% Onteora 77% 44% 35% 46% 18% 44% Rondout Valley 61% 23% 31% 24% 32% 31% Saugerties 57% 20% 34% 22% 27% 38% Wallkill 58% 22% 25% 27% 34% 36% West Park N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Source: New York State Education Department Note: Data shows students passing at level 3 or higher. Due to major changes in 2013, previous results are not comparable but provided for context. Table 11 – Student Performance on Grade 4 English
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Income and racial disparities are seen throughout the districts. In 2017, 21% of low-income students passed the exam, compared to 45% of other fourth-graders as seen in Table 12. Within Ulster, New Paltz had the highest passing rate, and Ellenville had the lowest for all fourth graders among low- income students. Passing rates were higher for white students (37%) than for Hispanic and African American students (23% and 15%, respectively). Table 13 shows performance on Grade 4 Math.
Student Performance on Grade 4 English by Economic Background, Low-income Students
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Ulster 44% 14% 15% 14% 18% 21%
Ulster School Districts Ellenville 47% 13% 8% 12% 18% 16% Highland 43% 27% 20% 19% 23% 24% Kingston 48% 9% 14% 11% 12% 18% Marlboro 53% 12% 15% 25% 36% 21% New Paltz 31% 24% 33% 9% 35% 33% Onteora 60% 41% 24% 47% N/A 29% Rondout Valley 36% 11% 14% 9% 20% 19% Saugerties 42% 11% 14% 13% 15% 27% Wallkill 32% 9% 10% 13% 17% 22% West Park N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Source: New York State Education Department and MHV Profiles Note: Data shows students passing at level 3 or higher. Due to major changes in 2013, previous results are not comparable but provided for context. Table 12 - Student Performance on Grade 4 English by Economic Background, Low-income Students
Student Performance on Grade 4 Math 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Ulster 67% 26% 30% 38% 35% 36%
Ulster School Districts Ellenville 70% 15% 17% 20% 22% 19% Highland 63% 29% 38% 39% 37% 48% Kingston 66% 23% 23% 35% 35% 35% Marlboro 74% 33% 37% 48% 44% 30% New Paltz 62% 36% 40% 40% 34% 46% Onteora 81% 35% 33% 50% 40% 29% Rondout Valley 67% 13% 32% 41% 40% 38% Saugerties 68% 25% 29% 31% 28% 34% Wallkill 63% 28% 33% 48% 41% 48% West Park N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Source: New York State Education Department and MHV Profiles Note: Data shows students passing at level 3 or higher. Due to major changes in 2013, previous results are not comparable but provided for context. Table 13 - Student Performance on Grade 4 Math
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In 2017, 39% of fourth-graders in the region passed the state Math exam below the state rate of 45% as seen in Table 14. The region's rate of passing dropped slightly from 2016 to 2017. Dutchess and Orange each had a similar passing rate to the region and Ulster was 3-points belowxlii. Highland and Wallkill had the highest scores with Ellenville having the lowest.
Student Performance on Grade 4 Math by Economic Background, Low-income Students
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Ulster 52% 15% 16% 26% 23% 24%
Ulster School Districts Ellenville 66% 8% 12% 13% 17% 17% Highland 46% 18% 26% 24% 28% 32% Kingston 54% 12% 13% 25% 23% 27% Marlboro 62% 22% 25% 40% 41% 14% New Paltz 31% 17% 27% 9% 13% 47% Onteora 64% 39% 14% 47% N/A 15% Rondout Valley 46% 7% 22% 25% 25% 27% Saugerties 52% 17% 17% 20% 15% 19% Wallkill 39% 10% 13% 42% 22% 33% West Park N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Source: New York State Education Department and MHV Profiles Note: Data shows students passing at level 3 or higher. Due to major changes in 2013, previous results are not comparable but provided for context. Table 14 - Student Performance on Grace 4 Math by Economic Background, Low-income Students
Similarly, to performance on English exams, income disparities are apparent in Math performance. In 2017, 24% of low-income fourth graders passed the Math exam compared to 47% of non-low-income fourth graders. Onteora and Ellenville had the lowest passing rates while New Paltz had the highest. Among racial and ethnic groups, passing rates were lower among African American and Hispanic students (14% and 26%, respectively) than among white students (41%). Passing rates in Ulster were lower than the regional and state levels for all racial and ethnic groups.
It should be noted that a substantial number of students did not take state exams in 2017 due to parent concerns about testing in schools. The large percentage of students not taking the exam may influence overall achievement levels and should therefore give caution when interpreting results. The opt out rate was 35% in Ulster.
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High school dropouts face fewer and declining career opportunities than graduates and are more likely to end up unemployed, in prison or on public assistance. They also tend to have lower earnings. About 7% of the Ulster County class of 2017 dropped out by the time their class was ready to graduate (after four years of high school), above the state rate of 5%, but down from 11% for the class of 2008. Ulster County has consistently had the highest dropout rate in the Mid-Hudson Valley region, though the gap has narrowed as seen in Graph 41. Graph 42 shows dropout rates were highest in Ellenville and Kingston (both at 11%), followed by Saugerties (10%).xliii
High School Cohort Dropout Rate High School Cohort Dropout Rate by Comparison, 2008-2017 School District 15% 20% 15% 10% 10% 5% 5% 0% 0% 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) 2010 2017
Graph 41 - High School Cohort Dropout Rate Comparison, 2008- Graph 42 - High School Cohort Dropout Rate by School District 2017
A GED offers students who did not make it through high school a credential allowing them to pursue higher education and certain careers. While the figures in Graph 43 do not show the number of students actually obtaining GEDs, they indicate how many students were pursuing this alternative path out of high school toward a productive future. The rate of people obtaining GED’s in Ulster has been decreasing since 2013.
Ulster High School GED Rate, 2008-2017 3.00%
2.50%
2.00%
1.50%
1.00%
0.50%
0.00% 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Graph 43 - Ulster High School GED Rate, 2008-2017
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IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS - CHILDREN
18.6% of the Ulster County population are children 0-17. Only three out of nine school districts have seen an increase in live births in spite of a decreasing county population. (p.20)
The poverty rate for children is 15.9% and children under five is 15.2%. For children 0-4 years, poverty is highest for African American (54.9%) and Hispanic (34.1%) children. Ellenville, Kingston City, and Hardenburgh have the highest rates of poverty for children ages 0-4. Demographic and poverty data for children can be difficult to find because the census tracks children under 5 at a lower rate due to complex living arrangements, mobile families, homelessness, and limited English in the household. (p.21)
When looking at poverty ages 0-4 and languages spoken in the home, the Onteora school district shows 40% of families in poverty speak Spanish and the Kingston school district has 16.3%. Rondout and Marlboro show English being the only language spoken among families in poverty. (p. 22)
In Ulster County, 45% of students are eligible for free/reduced price lunches with numbers that have been increasing each year. Among all districts, 25-69% of students are eligible with Ellenville and Kingston having the highest. New Paltz and Saugerties are the only districts that saw a decrease in 2017. (p.22)
Rates of abuse and neglect have been dropping since 2010. While foster care admission rates have not changed significantly, both admission and in-care numbers have increased with discharges decreasing. Ulster and NYS are about the same rate for abuse and neglect but Ulster has been higher in foster care admissions. (p.23)
Teen pregnancy declined, by almost half, since 2008 until a slight increase in 2015. When comparing infant mortality and low birth weight between counties, Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange are all around 7% for low- birth weight but Ulster has seen opposite trends in infant mortality from 2007-17. (p.24- 25)
Numbers of overweight and obese children in Ulster County have been consistent since 2014 with approximately 35% of elementary students overweight or obese and 40% middle/high schoolers. New Paltz has the lowest obesity rates while Kingston has the highest. Chronic illness caused by asthma, food allergies, and environmental factors impacts families and children but more information is needed to understand the causes. (p.25-26)
The need for childcare providers is at a crisis level as the number of providers has declined by 21% since 2012. Ulster has consistently had a higher rate of subsidized childcare participation in the region. Care for a child in Ulster County could range from $9,620-$11,362 a year depending on the age of the child. The cost of care continues to rise. (p.27-28) 2019 CNA Page | 35
IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS - CHILDREN
Ulster has increased above the region and state of number of preschoolers receiving special education. Experts in Ulster report that there are not enough therapists in the county to meet the need of children requiring services. Ulster is also higher in the number of children ages 6-21 receiving special education and in 2016, most districts in the county were at the highest enrollment numbers since 2010. Numbers of students with IEP’s range from 15-26% with five of the nine districts at 20% or above. (p.28-29)
School spending per student has been increasing and Ulster spends more per student than the state and region. Among the school districts, Onteora spends the most per student and Wallkill being the lowest. Ulster has higher rates of bullying than the state and the region since 2011, but has seen a decline since 2015. (p. 39)
Pre-Kindergarten participation increased considerably in 2008 and increased again from 2014-2016. Additional expansions have taken place in 2018 and 2019. Ulster County pre-kindergarten participation is below Orange county but above Dutchess. (p.31)
Performance in school is determined by passing rates of standardized tests. It is important to note that the opt out rate for Ulster was 35% which may skew the accuracy of the data. When looking at Grade 4 Math and English test scores, Ulster had a 33% passing rate for English and 36% for Math. In English, New Paltz and Onteora had the highest passing rates and Ellenville had the lowest. In Math, Highland and Wallkill had the highest and Ellenville had the lowest. For students considered low-income, passing rates were 21% in English and 24% in Math. (p.31-33)
Since 2008, Ulster County has had the highest dropout rates in the region but the gap is narrowing as Ulster rates are falling. Kingston and Ellenville have the highest dropout rates and New Paltz has the lowest. GED rates in the county have been decreasing since 2013. (p.34)
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INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
DEMOGRAPHICS and POVERTY As noted in the COMMUNITY PROFILE section, the most recent population estimates (2017) are 179,417 residents in Ulster County and almost 81% are over the age of 18. Graph 44 breaks down type of householdxliv, Graph 45 shows pregnancies by race/ethnicityxlv, and Graph 46 looks at single-parent families by municipalityxlvi. For household type, 31% reported living alone, 30% reported married without children, 17% married with children, and 9% single with children. The areas with the highest percent of single-parent households are Kingston (city and town), Marlborough, and Wawarsing with Denning, Gardner, and Marbletown having the lowest percent of single-parents. In 2015, 70% of pregnancies were White/Non-Hispanic women, 11% were Other or Unidentified/Non-Hispanic, and both White/Hispanic and Black/Non-Hispanic were 7%.
Households by Type 2012-2016 3% Ulster Pregnancies by Race/ Ethnicity, 2015 White/Non-Hispanic Living with Nonrelatives 7%
Living with Relatives 7% 2% 11% White/Hispanic
Living Alone 31% 7% Black/Non-Hispanic Single with Children 9% 7% Black/Hispanic Married without Children 30% 70% Other or Married with Children 17% Unidentified/Non- Hispanic Other or 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Unidentified/Hispanic
Graph 44 - Households by Type, 2012-2016 Graph 45 - Ulster Pregnancies by Race/Ethnicity, 2015
Ulster Single-Parent Families, 2000-2016 Median Age 60% 50% 43 40% 30% 20% Location 10%
0% Urban – 54%
Olive Lloyd
Ulster Rural – 46%
Ulster
Hurley
Esopus
Denning
Plattekill
Gardiner
Ellenville
Rochester
Rosendale
Shandaken Wawarsing
Woodstock
Marbletown
Shawangunk
Marlborough
Hardenburgh
Kingston (city) Kingston
Kingston (town) Kingston New Paltz (town) Paltz New
Saugerties (town) Saugerties Gender
New Paltz (village) Paltz New Saugerties (village) Saugerties
2007-11 2012-16 Female - 50.3% Male – 49.7% Graph 46 - Ulster Single-Parent Families, 2000-2016
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Table 15 – Ulster County Educational Attainment, 2017
Ulster County Educational Attainment, 2017 Educational attainment in Ulster County is shown in Table 15. Close to 10% of the Educational Attainment in 2016 Percent of Population 25+ population 25 and older has no degree, Total Population 25 and Older 100% 30.4% has graduated high school, and Less than 9th Grade 3% 31.4% has a bachelor’s degree or higher. 9th to 12th, No Diploma 6.4% Of those with no diploma, 3% did not High School Graduate (includes equiv.) 30.4% make it to the 9th grade and 6.4% made it Some College, No Degree 18.7% Associate Degree 10.2% to high school but did not graduate. Bachelor's Degree 17.2% Graduate, Professional or Doctorate 14.2% Graph 47 shows that 53.5% of Asian Degree residents, 33.4% White, 19.3% Hispanic, Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 5-Year and 12.5% Black or African American Estimates 2013-17 earned a higher degreexlvii.
Ulster County Adults Bachelors Degree or Graph 48 shows areas with the highest Higher by Race/Ethnicity, 2017 levels of educational attainment. New 60.0% Paltz (town and village) and Woodstock 40.0% have higher numbers of people who have 20.0% earned a higher education while 0.0% Wawarsing and Ellenville have the lowest. Asian Black or African Hispanic White America SUNY is located in New Paltz which may add to higher education levels. Graph 47 - Ulster County Adults Bachelor’s Degree or Higher by Race/Ethnicity, 2017
Ulster Adult Education Levels per Municipality, 2016 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
No HS Diploma HS Diploma Some College or Associate's Bachelor's or Higher
Graph 48 - Ulster Adult Education Levels per Municipality, 2016
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As noted in the INCOME AND Ulster Poverty Comparison, Age and Gender, 2017 POVERTY section, the Ulster 3000 County poverty rate around 13% with higher percentages of 2500 minorities and people living in 2000 rural areas living in poverty. 1500 Graph 49 shows poverty among 1000 age and genderxlviii. Females have a higher rate of poverty 500 among all ages groups except 0 5 and 6 to 12 to 16 to 18 to 25 to 35 to 45 to 55 to 65 to 75 ages 12-15 and 18-24. The age under 11 15 17 24 34 44 54 64 74 over group with the highest poverty is female male age 25-34. Graph 49 - Ulster Poverty Comparison, Age and Gender, 2017
In addition to families living in poverty, the United Way identifies families above the poverty line but struggling to meet basic necessities. Over 40% of the Ulster population meets the criteria of the ALICE threshold mentioned in the previous section. Table 16 shows how much money is required to afford basic living necessities and breaks it up by family size. A single adult needs an hourly wage of $12.10 or an annual income of $24,192 to survive. A family with two adults and two small children needs at least $66,360 a year to survive. The table shows the highest costs are housing and childcare with childcare exceeding the cost of housing when there are two or more small children in the family.
Ulster ALICE Household Survival Budget, 2016 2 Adults, 1 Single Married 1 Adult, 1 School- 1 Adult, 1 2 Adult, 2 School- Infant, 1 Adult Couple age Child Infant age Children Preschooler Housing $712 $746 $746 $746 $898 $898 Child Care $0 $0 $596 $625 $1,192 $1,250 Food $182 $414 $344 $287 $691 $603 Transportation $341 $409 $409 $409 $682 $682 Health Care $213 $425 $487 $487 $792 $792 Misc. $183 $247 $310 $309 $503 $498 Technology $55 $75 $55 $55 $75 $75 Taxes $330 $405 $464 $453 $697 $685 Monthly Total $2,016 $2,721 $3,411 $3,368 $5,530 $5,483 Annual Total $24,192 $32,652 $40,932 $40,146 $66,360 $65,796 Hourly Wage $12.10 $16.33 $20.47 $20.21 $33.18 $32.90 Note: The budgets reflect different costs based on the age of children in the household; full-day care for infants and preschoolers (4-year old) and after school care for school age children. To create budgets for additional family types: For an additional infant, increase the total budget by 14 percent; for an additional 4-year old, by 14 percent; and for a school-age child, 14 percent. Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Bureau of Labor Statistics; Internal Revenue Service; Tax Foundation; and New York State Office of Children & Family, 2016 Table 16 - Ulster ALICE Household Survival Budget, 2016
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EMPLOYMENT and TRANSPORTATION
Median Household Income - $61,652 Male income ($76,405) 1.3 times higher than women ($58,783) Highest earning races - White ($64,668) and Asian ($62,786)
The 2017 ACS estimates report a median household income of $61,652 which is up from $58,918 in 2015xlix. Considering the ALICE Threshold cited in INCOME AND POVERTY, the median income would only cover necessities for a family consisting of two people in Ulster County.
Table 17 shows the annual industry distribution of jobs and average wage in the county. The jobs with the greatest number of workers are retail and health care, both of which show an average annual wage that fall below the median income and only provide enough income for a single adult or married couple to live above the ALICE Threshold.
Jobs & Wages for Ulster County, 2017 Annual Industry Distribution of Jobs Jobs Pct. Dist. Annual Average Wage and Avg. Wage in 2017 (NAICS) Per Job Total 60,388 100.00% $42,548 Accommodation and Food Services 7,135 11.80% $21,414 Other Services (Except Public Administration) 2,315 3.80% $26,292 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 869 1.40% $29,681 Retail Trade 8,754 14.50% $29,744 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 992 1.60% $31,230 Unallocated 124 0.20% $32,322 Information 760 1.30% $38,354 Admin. & Support & Waste Mgt. & Rem. Services 2,184 3.60% $38,627 Transportation & Warehousing 1,995 3.30% $40,187 Health Care and Social Services 9,942 16.50% $41,056 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 991 1.60% $44,119 Manufacturing 3,372 5.60% $48,705 Construction 2,668 4.40% $54,580 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 1,696 2.80% $57,743 Public Administration 5,273 8.70% $57,749 Educational Services 5,778 9.60% $59,044 Management of Companies and Enterprises 361 0.60% $64,238 Finance and Insurance 1,391 2.30% $64,606 Mining 80 0.10% $65,042 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Statsamerica *Note: Average wage is rounded Table 17 - Jobs and Wages for Ulster County, 2017
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Job growth has lagged behind the region and nation throughout the decade and in recent years, according to MHV Community Profiles, as shown in Graph 50l. However, Ulster saw an increase in job growth in 2016, the fourth consecutive year since 2013. Between 2000 and 2016, jobs in Ulster increased 9%, on par with the state. Unemployment rates tend to Change in Jobs Comparison, 2008-2016 fluctuate over the course of a year 0.03 and year to year. Table 18 shows
0.02 labor force changes for 2017, including five- and ten-year 0.01 changes. The total labor force has 0 decreased 1.8% in the last ten 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 -0.01 years and 2.4% in the last five
-0.02 years, but the total number employed has increased 1.5% in -0.03 the last five years. Table 19 shows Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (minus NYC) the unemployment rate over the
Graph 50 - Change in Jobs Comparison, 2008-2016 course of 2018. The year began with unemployment at 5.4%, fluctuated each month and ended in December at 3.4%. Most estimates put the 2018/2019 Ulster unemployment rate somewhere between 3% and 4%. Table 18 – Labor Force Changes for Ulster County, 2017
Labor Force Changes for Ulster County, 2017 Table 19 – Ulster County Unemployment Rate, 2018 Labor Force Annual Averages, 2017 Number New York Ulster County Unemployment Rate, 2018 Total Labor Force 88,895 9,704,695 Month/Year Ulster New York National 5-Year % Change -2.40% 0.00% County % % % 10-Year % Change -1.80% 1.90% 1 / 2018 5.4% 5.1% 4.1% Employed 84,798 9,249,225 2 / 2018 5.5% 5.1% 4.1% 5-Year % Change 1.50% 5.20% 3 / 2018 4.9% 4.8% 4.0% 4 / 2018 4.2% 4.3% 3.9% 10-Year % Change -2.00% 1.80% 5 / 2018 3.7% 3.7% 3.8% Unemployed 4,097 455,470 6 / 2018 4.0% 4.2% 4.0% 5-Year % Change -45.60% -44.40% 7 / 2018 4.0% 4.2% 3.9% 10-Year % Change 4.20% 5.00% 8 / 2018 3.9% 4.1% 3.8% Unemployment Rate 4.6 4.7 9 / 2018 3.4% 3.8% 3.7% 5-Year % Change -44.60% -44.70% 10 / 2018 3.2% 3.6% 3.8% 11 / 2018 3.1% 3.5% 3.7% 10-Year % Change 7.00% 2.20% 12 / 2018 3.4% 3.8% 3.9% Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Statsamerica Source: https://www.homefacts.com/unemployment/New- York/Ulster-County.html
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Most working Ulster residents drive to work in their own vehicle. Graph 51 breaks down commuter travel patterns and shows 78% drive alone with only 2% using public transportationli.
Ulster Commuter Travel Patterns Ulster Residents Travel Time To Work (Workers 16 And Up), 2016 (Workers 16 And Up), 2016
Percent Drive Alone Percent Carpool Less than 10 minutes 10 to 30 minutes Percent Public Transportation Percent Bicycle or Walk 30 to 60 minutes More than 60 minutes Percent Taxi or Other Percent Work at Home
10% 14% 7% 4%1% 2% 8% 28%
48% 78%
Graph 51 - Ulster Commuter Travel Patterns 2016 Graph 52 - Ulster Residents Travel Time to Work, 2016 The county is 1,161 square miles and Vehicle Ownership, 2016 includes many rural areas which limits 40000 public transportation options. Our 2016
35000 CNA found that residents thought Ulster County lacked affordable and accessible 30000 transportation options. Graph 52 shows 25000 48% of residents drive 10-30 minutes to 20000 work and 28% drive 30-60 minutes to lii 15000 work . It is likely that residents commuting 30-60 minutes are working 10000 outside of the county. Graph 53 shows the 5000 number of vehicles owned by Ulster 0 residents. Most residents own two no 1 vehicle 2 vehicles 3 vehicles 5 vehicles 5 or more vehicles with a small number of people not vehicles vehicles owning a vehicleliii. Graph 53 - Vehicle Ownership, 2016 Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) provides public transportation around the county with limited options to neighboring counties. Fares are a flat rate and cost $1.50 with discounts available to seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and students. All buses are wheelchair accessible. There is a rural route that requires reserving a ride in advance and cost $3.00. Kingston City and UCAT have been working on a merger with improved services and changes will begin summer 2019. The Focus Groups and Surveys section includes resident responses to transportation concerns.
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HEALTH and NUTRITION According to the County Food Desert Population, 2015 Percent Population with Health Rankings and Low Food Access, 2015 Roadmaps, Ulster County 45% 40% 30.00% ranks 31 (out of 62) on health 35% 25.00% indicators. The 2018 health 30% 20.00% ranking put Ulster County at 25% 28. Many indicators are 20% 15.00% considered to determine a 15% 10.00% ranking. 10% 5.00% 5% 0% 0.00% Health and nutrition in Ulster Ulster NY State USA Ulster NY State USA County vary depending on the County County data metric. Graphs 54 and Graph 54 - Food Desert Population, 2015 Graph 55 – Percent Population with Low 55 look at food access in the Food Access, 2015 county and shows that 38% Percent Population Receiving Percent Adults with BMI > live in a food desert which is SNAP Benefits, 2017 30 (Obese), 2015 higher than the state but 16.00% 29.00% 28.50% 14.00% lower than the nation and 28.00% 25% have low food access 12.00% 27.50% 10.00% 27.00% which is higher than both the 26.50% 8.00% state and nationliv. 26.00% 6.00% 25.50% 4.00% 25.00% 24.50% 11.2% of the Ulster 2.00% 24.00% population received SNAP 0.00% 23.50% benefits which is lower than Ulster NY State USA Ulster NY State USA County County the state and nation seen in lv Graph 56 - Percent Population Receiving SNAP Graph 57 – Percent Adults with BMI>30 Graph 56 . Graph 57 shows Benefits, 2015 (obese), 2015 that more people are considered obese in Ulster Percent Population Smoking Cigarettes(Age-Adjusted) County than NY Statelvi and 16.50% Graph 58 shows there are 16.00% 15.50% more people in the county 15.00% smoking than the state or 14.50% nationlvii. 14.00% 13.50% 13.00% Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 58 – Percent Population Smoking Cigarettes (Age-Adjusted)
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20% of pregnant women in Ulster Percentage Mothers with Late or No Prenatal Care, 2016 received late or no prenatal care 30.00% which is lower than the state and nation shown in Graph 59lviii. Mid 25.00% Hudson Valley Profiles concluded 20.00% that minority mothers are less likely 15.00% to receive prenatal care than White
10.00% mothers.
5.00%
0.00% Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 59 – Percentage Mothers with Late or No Prenatal Care, 2016
Percent Adults with Heart Disease Ulster also has a higher percent of 8.00% people with heart disease than the 7.00% state or nation shown in Graph 60. 6.00% When comparing rates of poor 5.00% physical health days, Ulster is ranked 3.8, with the state 3.0, and nation 4.00% 3.6lix. 3.00%
2.00%
1.00%
0.00% Ulster County NY State USA The drug poisoning death rate in the Graph 60 – Percent Adults with Heart Disease county is higher than the state and Drug Poisoning Age-Adjusted Death Rate (Per nation shown in Graph 61. The 100,000 Pop.), 2016 Ulster suicide death rate (10) is two 25 points higher than the state (8), but three points lower than the nation 20 (13).lx 15
10
5
0 Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 61 – Drug Poisoning Age-Adjusted Death Rate (Per 1000,000 Pop.), 2016
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Number of Domestic Violence Victims Since 2009, the number of
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 domestic violence victims Ulster 695 929 779 827 731 741 913 774 in Ulster has fluctuated Kingston 222 250 262 202 197 196 183 201 between 695 and 930. In Lloyd 5 9 2 3 10 14 6 N/A 2016, the number was 774, Marlborough 23 35 16 13 14 22 41 28 down from 913 in 2015. New Paltz 24 22 30 78 25 25 36 32 Areas of the county with Olive N/A 1 1 1 N/A 3 1 2 higher populations have Plattekill 29 57 49 61 48 32 37 32 Rosendale 1 14 16 14 12 10 10 14 higher numbers of Saugerties 27 147 36 34 146 105 163 89 domestic violence victims Shandaken 9 6 5 5 5 7 3 3 with Kingston and Ellenville Shawangunk 43 56 27 30 28 16 17 24 having the highest as seen Ulster 26 27 94 147 102 97 70 66 in Table 20. Woodstock 8 9 10 12 9 12 8 6 Ellenville 31 65 15 3 24 31 99 167 Source: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and MHV Profiles Note: The definition of domestic violence was significantly changed in 2008, making prior years not comparable.
Table 20 – Number of Domestic Violence Victims
Tables 21 shows the Number of Violent Crimes 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 number of violent crimes Ulster 408 335 279 294 293 304 292 since 2010. The county had Kingston 81 93 70 74 71 71 76 408 reports of violent Lloyd 9 0 3 6 6 9 7 crimes in 2010 but saw a Marlborough 17 9 3 5 11 10 7 decline over the years with New Paltz 55 33 32 34 30 35 26 there being 292 reports in 2016. The City of Kingston Olive 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 had the highest number Plattekill 17 7 11 8 4 10 15 and New Paltz had the Rosendale 1 5 2 1 2 1 0 second highest. Saugerties 4 15 14 15 16 8 23 Shandaken 5 2 2 4 3 3 0 Shawangunk 12 6 3 3 6 6 5 In 2016, Ulster had 482 Ulster 8 22 10 14 16 9 6 more domestic violence Woodstock 5 3 2 2 2 4 4 Ellenville 33 21 19 17 13 6 15 victims than violent crimes. Saugerties NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and MHV Profiles Note: Saugerties Village PD was inactivated as of January 2011. Their jurisdiction is now covered by the Saugerties Town PD.
Table 21 – Number of Violent Crimes
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Graph 62 looks at a People Under 65 Without Health Insurance comparison of people without Comparison 2010-2017 health insurance since 2010lxi. 14% Ulster has consistently had 12% more people (under age 65) 10% without health insurance than 8% Dutchess, Orange, and the 6% state until 2016. The number 4% of people without insurance 2% had a steady decline from 0% 2010-2015 and has declined 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 again since 2016. Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (excluding NYC)
Graph 62 – People Under 65 Without Health Insurance Comparison, 2010-2017
Primary Care Physicians, Rate per 100,000 Dentists, Rate per 100,000 Pop., 2015 Pop., 2015 90 120 80 70 100 60 80 50 60 40 30 40 20 20 10 0 0 Ulster County NY State USA Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 63 – Primary Care Physicians, Rate per 100,000, 2015 Graph 64 – Dentists, Rate per 1000,000, 2015
Mental Health Care Providers, Rate per 100,000 Graphs 63, 64, and 65 look at residents’ Pop., 2015 access to healthcare providerslxii. Ulster 350 has a lower rate of both primary care 300 physicians and dentists. But they have a 250 higher rate of mental healthcare 200 providers. 150 100 50
0 Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 65 – Mental Health Care Providers, Rate per 100,000, 2015
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HOUSING Housing quality and affordability vary across the county. Table 23 shows 84,647 units in Ulster County with 82% occupied. Of the occupied homes, 57% are home owners and 25% are renters. There are around 8% of homes being used for seasonal or recreational use. In 2017, there were 336 residential building permits filed with almost 60% being for single-family homes and 35% being for multi-family homes (five families or more) as seen in Table 22.
Ulster County Housing Units, 2016 Ulster County Residential Building Permits, 2017
Number Pct. Dist. Units Pct. Dist.
Total Housing Units 84,647 100% Total Permits Filed 336 100% Occupied 69,662 82.3% Single Family 201 59.8% Owner Occupied 48,343 57.1% Two Family 8 2.4% Renter Occupied 21,319 25.2% Three and Four Family 8 2.4% Vacant 14,985 17.7% Five Families and More 119 35.4% Seasonal/Recreational Use 7,021 8.3% Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates and Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2013-2017 Estimates Statsamerica Table 22 – Ulster County Residential Building Permits, 2017 Table 23 – Ulster County Housing Units, 2016
Homelessness has fluctuated in Ulster County more than Dutchess, Orange, or NY State which can be seen in Graph 66lxiii. In 2010, homelessness was at a rate of 24.1 and then dropped to 14.2 in 2011 but rose over the next two years to 24.4. In 2014 there was another decrease to 18.9 where it has stayed. Dutchess and Orange have stayed below 16 since 2010.
Homeless Persons per 10,000 Residents Comparison, 2010-2016 30
25
20
15
10
5
0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Dutchess Orange Ulster NYS (excluding NYC) Graph 66 - Homeless Persons per 10,000 Residents Comparison, 2010-2016
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Table 24 shows home ownership rates from 2000-2016 in Ulster County municipalities. Similarly, to the homelessness decrease in 2011, homeownership rates increased around 2011 in most municipalities. By 2016, some continued to increase slightly. In some locations like Kingston city, New Paltz village, and Saugerties village, homeownership rates were below 50%.
Ulster Homeownership Rates 2000 2007-11 2012-16
Ulster 68% 69% 70%
Kingston (city) 47% 48% 46% Denning 80% 81% * 80% * Esopus 73% 75% 73% Gardiner 76% 80% 76% Hardenburgh 68% 66% ** 67% ** Hurley 86% 84% 92% Kingston (town) 88% 89% 85% Lloyd 65% 66% 71% Marbletown 79% 83% 84% Marlborough 68% 68% 69% New Paltz (town) 54% 56% 56% Olive 80% 86% 78% Plattekill 70% 68% 75% Rochester 76% 85% 79% Rosendale 72% 76% 74% Saugerties (town) 72% 73% 70% Shandaken 73% 72% 79% Shawangunk 79% 78% 81% * Ulster 72% 67% 70% Wawarsing 62% 65% 65% Woodstock 76% 79% 81% Ellenville 40% 49% 54% New Paltz (village) 29% 35% * 28% Saugerties (village) 47% 46% 47% Source: U.S. Census Bureau and MHV Profiles Note: Multiyear results are from rolling American Community Survey. * Margin of error between 20% & 35% of estimate; ** margin of error between 35% & 50%; *** margin of error greater than 50%. Table 24 - Ulster Homeownership Rates
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Tables 25 and 26 look at the affordability of homes throughout Ulster County. Overall, Ulster has an affordability ratio of 2.92. The ratio is the median home value to the median household income and a ratio less than 2 or 3 is considered affordable. There are 10 municipalities that had a ratio larger than 3 in 2016. The most affordable places to own a home are Ellenville, Kingston city, Wawarsing, and Esopus with the least affordable places being Hardenburgh, New Paltz village, and Denning. When looking at rent as a percentage of household income, rent is considered affordable if less than 30% of the household income. As a county, rent is 39% of the household income. The most expensive places to rent are Shandaken and Shawangunk. The most affordable place to rent is Denning which is the only location in the county that is below 30% of income.
Housing Affordability for Homeowners Rent as Percentage of Household Income
2000 2007-11 2012-16 2000 2007-11 2012-16 Ulster 2.08 3.3 2.92 Ulster 29% 35% 39%
Kingston (city) 1.82 2.91 2.45 Kingston (city) 30% 35% 41% Denning 1.93 3.55 3.81 Denning 24% 24% 18% Esopus 1.79 3.01 2.54 Esopus 32% 29% 31% Gardiner 2.34 3.57 3.74 Gardiner 27% 20% 36% Hardenburgh 2.45 4.86 5.66 Hardenburgh 23% 26% NA Hurley 1.97 3.49 2.94 Hurley 28% 35% 46% Kingston (town) 1.85 3.48 2.9 Kingston (town) 18% 41% 35% Lloyd 1.92 3.16 2.74 Lloyd 24% 35% 36% Marbletown 2.56 3.15 3.68 Marbletown 28% 25% 30% Marlborough 2.41 3.58 2.83 Marlborough 24% 35% 34% New Paltz (town) 2.19 3.39 3.23 New Paltz (town) 38% 44% 38% Olive 2.26 4.49 3.73 Olive 22% 100% 37% Plattekill 2.26 3.2 3.07 Plattekill 28% 28% 34% Rochester 2.1 3.43 3.01 Rochester 25% 48% 31% Rosendale 1.85 3.13 2.59 Rosendale 25% 37% 40% Saugerties (town) 1.89 3.16 2.96 Saugerties (town) 28% 35% 39% Shandaken 2.2 4 3.75 Shandaken 33% 51% 60% Shawangunk 2.28 3.32 2.68 Shawangunk 24% 22% 51% Ulster 1.81 3.21 2.65 Ulster 29% 32% 48% Wawarsing 1.89 3.26 2.53 Wawarsing 37% 35% 36% Woodstock 2.75 5.15 3.55 Woodstock 31% 62% 44% Ellenville 1.8 3.45 1.85 Ellenville 38% 56% 38% New Paltz (village) 2.25 4.03 3.97 New Paltz (village) 45% 45% 44% Saugerties (village) 1.66 3.15 2.93 Saugerties (village) 31% 38% 40% Source: U.S. Census Bureau and MHV Profiles Source: U.S. Census Bureau and MHV Profiles Note: Ratio of median home value to median household Note: Rent considered affordable if less than 30% of income. This ratio provides a rough estimate of the income. Multiyear results are from rolling American affordability of homes in a community. A ratio less than 2 Community Survey. or 3 is considered affordable. Table 25 - Rent as a percentage of Household Income Table 26 - Housing Affordability for Homeowners
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Fair Market Rents (FMR) can be used to better understand the average housing costs of an area. They are used to establish the payment standards for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, maximum rents in HOME financed rental projects and initial rents for Section 8 project-based assistance. Ulster FMR are seen in Table 27.
2019 Ulster Fair Market Rents Studio One BR Two BR Three BR Four BR $777 $962 $1,210 $1,537 $1,676 Source: www.affordablehousingonline.com Table 27 - 2019 Ulster Fair Market Rents There are 39 low income housing apartment complexes which contain 1,901 affordable apartments for rent in Ulster County. Many of these rental apartments are income-based housing with about 775 apartments that set rent-based income. Often referred to as "HUD apartments", there are 453 Project- Based Section 8 subsidized apartments in Ulster County. There are 1,126 other low-income apartments that don't have rental assistance but are still considered to be affordable housing for low income families. The number of low-income housing apartment complexes are listed in Table 28.lxiv
City Listings Served By Kingston 14 Kingston Housing Authority and Rural Ulster Preservation Company Marlboro 2 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Ellenville 7 Ellenville Housing Authority and Rural Ulster Preservation Company Saugerties 5 Town of Saugerties P H A and Rural Ulster Preservation Company Lake Katrine 1 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Woodstock 2 Rural Ulster Preservation Company New Paltz 2 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Phoenicia 1 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Wallkill 1 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Port Ewen 1 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Rosendale 1 Rural Ulster Preservation Company Source: www.affordablehousingonline.com Table 28 - Low-income Housing Complex Locations
Graph 67 shows total housing units in the Total Housing Units county. A majority of the housing units in Ulster County are single, detached homes. One, Detached One, Attached Multi-Family Mobile Homes Multi-family homes (2-50+) are the next 7% highest but considerably less than single 17% homes. Mobile homes make up 7% of the 3% housing units in the county.lxv 73%
Graph 67 - Total Housing Units
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Graph 68 shows mean price of homes 2016 Mean Price of Homes, 2016 estimates. For detached homes, the mean price $600,000 in Ulster was $257,211 which was about $500,000 $100,000 less than NY State. Townhouses or $400,000 attached homes were $188,577 for Ulster and $300,000 $568,104 for the state. Ulster mobile homes $200,000 mean price was $82, 825 which was higher than $100,000 $0 the state mean of $72,941. Detached Houses Townhouses or Mobile Homes Other Attached Homes with Mortgage, 2017 Units Mortgage No Second Home Both Mortgage Mortgage Equity Equity Ulster County NY State Loan Loan and Mortgage Graph 68 - Mean Price of Homes, 2016 28,631 19,712 696 5,186 78
Most homes in the county have a mortgage. Close to 21% have a second mortgage, home equity loan or both.
Ulster County Homes Without Percent Occupied Housing Units with One Plumbing, 2016 or More Substandard Conditions, 2016 0.45% 45.00% 0.40% 40.00% 0.35% 35.00% 0.30% 30.00% 0.25% 25.00% 0.20% 20.00% 0.15% 15.00% 0.10% 0.05% 10.00% 0.00% 5.00% Percent without Percent without 0.00% Plumbing2000 Plumbing2016 Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 69 – Ulster County Homes without Plumbing, 2016 Graph 70 – Percent Occupied Housing Units with One or More Substandard condition, 2016
For Ulster County homes, 2016 estimates showed there was a decrease from 2000 in the number of homes that were without plumbing as seen in Graph 69. Graph 70 shows percent of homes with substandard conditions. This indicator reports the number and percentage of owner- and renter- occupied housing units having at least one of the following conditions: 1) lacking complete plumbing facilities, 2) lacking complete kitchen facilities, 3) with 1.01 or more occupants per room, 4) selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income greater than 30%, and 5) gross rent as a percentage of household income greater than 30%. The county has over 38% of homes with one or more substandard conditions which is lower than the state but higher than the nation.lxvi
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Commonly Used Heating Fuel Fuel oil, Utility Bottled, Wood Electricity Solar Coal Other No Kerosene, Gas Tank, or Fuel Fuel etc. LP gas Homes 55.9% 17.4% 8.9% 8.9% 7.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.3% 0.1% Apartments, 28.9% 27.5% 24.6% 4.0% 10.9% 0.7% 0 1.6% 2.0% Condos, Townhomes Source: http://www.city-data.com/county/Ulster_County-NY.html Table 29 - Commonly Used Heating Fuel
Table 29 shows heating fuel types for single-family homes and multi-family homes (apartments, condos, and townhomes). Close to 59% of homes use fuel oil, kerosene, etc. compared to only about 29% of multi-family homes. Multi-family homes use more utility gas, bottled tank/LP gas, and electricity than single-family homes, but wood is used more in single-family homes.
Housing Units Lacking Telephone Service Total Housing Percent Lacking Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Units Lacking Telephone Use Lacking Lacking Telephone Telephone Telephone Service Ulster County 1,705 2.5% 1.1% 5.5% NY State 167,193 2.3% 1.1% 3.7% Source: CARES Engagement Network Report Table 30 - Housing Units Lacking Telephone Service Housing units lacking telephone service is compiled in Table 30. A telephone must be in working order and service available in the house, apartment, or mobile home that allows the respondent to both make and receive calls. Households that have cell-phones (no land-line) are counted as having telephone service available. Households whose service has been discontinued for nonpayment or other reasons are not counted as having telephone service available. Ulster and NY State are similar with slightly more than 2% except Ulster has more renter-occupied homes without phone service than the state.
There was an effort during research on this CNA to find more specific housing data as it relates to conditions of homes and energy usage throughout the county. As the completion of the assessment, this information related to Ulster County was not found. UCCAC is interested in this data to help guide services offered by the Weatherization and EmPower programs.
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SENIORS and VETERANS
POVERTY The most recent ACS estimates report 18% of the Ulster population is 65 years old or older. Table 31 shows the number of seniors living in poverty throughout the county. From 2000 to 2016, the number of seniors in poverty increased by almost 1,000 people and the number increased in almost every municipality but Kingston (city), Hardenburgh, Lloyd, New Paltz (town), and Ulster. The 2013-17 ACS Estimates report 9.3% of seniors in Ulster live in poverty.
Number of Seniors Living in Poverty Veterans make up 6.4% of the Ulster 2000 2012-16 population. 94% of veterans are men and Ulster 1,953 2,828 90% are White.lxvii Among those, around Kingston (city) 371 349 * 6% live in poverty, more than both Denning 6 4 *** Esopus 215 157 ** Dutchess and Orange shown in Graph lxviii Gardiner 21 204 *** 71 . Hardenburgh 7 5 *** Hurley 61 19 *** Percent Veterans Living in Kingston (town) 4 10 *** Poverty Comparison, 2016 Lloyd 106 92 *** Marbletown 22 81 *** 7% Marlborough 89 179 ** 6% New Paltz (town) 96 66 *** Olive 22 82 *** 5% Plattekill 80 224 ** Rochester 61 115 *** 4% Rosendale 67 168 *** 3% Saugerties (town) 171 226 * Shandaken 46 73 *** 2% Shawangunk 108 231 *** 1% Ulster 156 153 **
Wawarsing 201 268 ** 0% Woodstock 43 122 ** Ulster Dutchess Orange NYS (minus Ellenville 81 168 *** NYC)
New Paltz (village) 39 64 *** Graph 71 - Percent Veterans Living in Poverty Saugerties (village) 52 98 *** Comparison, 2016 Source: U.S. Census Bureau and MHV Profiles Note: Multiyear results are from rolling American Community Survey. * Margin of error between 20% & 35% of estimate; ** margin of error between 35% & 50%; *** margin of error greater than 50%. Table 31 - Number of Seniors Living in Poverty
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HEALTH With the number of older adults increasing, it is important to understand the overall health of the population. Medicare is available to individuals who are 65 and older or people who younger but determined disabled. Graphs 72, 73, and 74 highlight health factors common among older adultslxix.
Ambulatory Care Sensitive Condition Percent Medicare Population with Discharge Rate (Preventable Hospital Depression, 2015 Visit), 2015 17.00% 70
60 16.50%
50 16.00% 40
30 15.50%
20 15.00% 10
0 14.50% Ulster County NY State USA Ulster County NY State USA
Graph 72 - Ambulatory Care Sensitive Condition Discharge Rate Graph 73 - Percent Medicare Population with Depression, 2015 (Preventable Hospital Visit), 2015
Preventable hospital visits due to falls were almost 60% of hospital visits in 2015, which was higher than both the state and country. For the Medicare population with diagnosed depression, Ulster County and NY State were both around 15%.
Health Indicators for Medicare Beneficiaries, 2015 35.00%
30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% Ulster County NY State USA
Percent with Diabetes Percent with Heart Disease
Graph 74 - Health Indicators for Medicare Beneficiaries, 2015
Diabetes and heart disease are some of the leading causes of death for older adults. In Ulster County, over 25% have diabetes and 27% have heart disease.
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Among Ulster County veterans, 8.9% are unemployed and 28.9% have a disability. Graphs 75 and 76 show comparisons with veterans and civilians.lxx
Unemployment Comparison, Disability Comparison, 2017 2017 35 10 30 9 8 25 7 20 6 5 15 4 10 3
2 5 1 0 0 Veteran Civilian Veterans Civilian
Unemployment Disabled
Graph 75 - Unemployment Comparison, 2017 Graph 76 - Disability Comparison, 2017
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veteranslxxi:
“Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing, nutritional meals, basic physical health care, substance abuse care and aftercare, mental health counseling, personal development and empowerment. Additionally, veterans need job assessment, training and placement assistance. NCHV strongly believes that all programs to assist homeless veterans must focus on helping them obtain and sustain employment.”
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IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS – HOUSEHOLDS and INDIVIDUALS
There are 69,663 households in Ulster County. 31% are living alone, 30% married without children, and 17% married with children. The median age in the county is 43 with 54% of the population considered in urban areas and 46% in rural. Less than 10% of the population has not earned a high school diploma, 30% have a high school diploma, and 31% have a Bachelors or higher. 33% of Caucasian residents have a higher degree compared to only 12.5% of African American residents. In New Paltz and Woodstock, over 50% of the population have a higher degree. (p.37-38)
When comparing poverty in age groups, 25-34 year olds have the highest poverty rates with females exceeding males. Females have higher poverty in all age groups except 12-15 and 18-24. The ALICE Household Survival Budget shows a single adult would need to earn $24,192/year ($12.10/hour) to meet basic needs. A family with two adults and two young children would need to earn $66,360/year ($33.18/hour). The highest costs are housing and childcare. (p.39)
The median income for the county is $61,652. Men earn 1.3x more than women and Caucasians earn more than minorities. When looking at jobs, the annual average wage for an employee is $42,548. 31% of employed individuals make less than $30,000/year, 59% make $30,000-$60,000 and 3% make over $60,000. The highest paid jobs are mining and finance/insurance. The lowest paid jobs are food service, retail, and recreation. Higher numbers of people work in retail and healthcare/social services than any other industry. Between 2000-2016 job growth increased 9%. The Ulster County unemployment rate is currently 4.4%. (p.40-41)
Commuter travel patterns show 78% of residents drive to work alone with 48% driving 10-30 minutes and 28% driving 30-60 minutes. Most resident own 1-2 vehicles. The UCAT and Kingston merger is happening in the summer of 2019 to improve public transportation options for county residents. (p.42)
The County Health Rankings place Ulster at 31 out of 62. 38% live in a food desert and 25% have low food access. More people in Ulster County smoke than the state or nation, more people have heart disease, and more people are without health insurance. Ulster has a higher rate of death from drug poisoning and lower rates of primary and dental care providers. Ulster does have a higher rate of mental health providers as well as women receiving prenatal care. In 2016, there were 482 more domestic violence victims than reported violent crimes. (p.43-46)
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IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS – HOUSEHOLDS and INDIVIDUALS
Homelessness rates have fluctuated more in Ulster County than the region and they have consistently been higher. Homeownership has not fluctuated too significantly since 2010 except for Ellenville which increased 14%. Homeownership is the highest in Hurley at 92% and the lowest in New Paltz village at 28%. (p.47-48)
There are 84,647 housing units in Ulster County with an 82% occupancy rate. 57% are homeowners and 25% are renters. The affordability ratio for homeownership is 2.92 (anything less than 2 or 3 is considered affordable). There are 10 municipalities in the county with a ratio higher than 3. The most affordable places to live are Ellenville, Kingston City, Wawarsing, and Esopus. The least affordable are Hardenburgh, New Paltz village, and Denning. On average, rent is 39% of a renter’s income (30% or less is considered affordable). The most affordable places to rent are Shandaken and Shawangunk. The least affordable is Denning. (p.49)
There are 39 low-income housing apartment complexes with 1,901 apartments and 1,126 other apartments in Ulster County that are not low-income but considered affordable. Mobile homes make up 7% of the housing units in the county. The mean price for a home is $257,211 and $82,825 for a mobile home. Ulster has over 38% of homes with substandard housing. (p.50-51)
18% of the Ulster population is 65 years old or older. 9.3% of seniors live in poverty and the number of seniors in poverty increased by almost 1,000 from 2000-2016. 6.4% of the population are veterans and 6% of them live in poverty. Unemployment for veterans is 8.9% and 28.9% have a disability. (p. 53-55)
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MAPS and ELIGIBILE POPULATIONS This section maps populations throughout Ulster and Sullivan Counties that meet certain eligibility criteria for UCCAC Programs. We can use this data to ensure our services are reaching parts of the county where needed. Maps of Sullivan County are included to help us start identifying the demographics of the county as we begin providing outreach services but the narrative for the maps are only written for Ulster County. All maps were obtained from the CARES Engagement Networklxxii.
While requirements for each program vary, all programs have income guidelines. Most Outreach participants are at 125% of the federal poverty or lower; Ninety percent of Head Start/Early Head Start participants show proof of qualifying for TANF, SSI or income below the federal poverty level; Weatherization participants follow HEAP guidelines and are required to be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
Population
Map 1 - Ulster and Sullivan Counties
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Population density: The Northwest corner is the least densely populated are of the County. Kingston, Saugerties, Shawangunk, and New Paltz are the most populated areas. Population age 0-17: Ellenville is the area with highest number of Map 2 - Population Density, 2012-16 Map 3 - Population Age 0-17, 2012-16 people ages 0-17. Age18-24: New Paltz and Wawarsing have the most people ages 18-24. Age 25-34: Areas around Rochester, Shawangunk, Rosendale, Kingston, Ulster, and Saugerties have the most people 25-34. Map 4 - Population Age 18-24, 2012-16 Map 5 - Population Age 25-34, 2012-16 Age 18-64: Rochester, Gardner, Shawangunk, Plattekill, New Paltz, Rosendale, Esopus, Kingston, and Saugerties have the greatest number of adults under the age of 65. Age 65 and up: Seniors are most heavily concentrated in the northeastern part of the Map 7 - Population Age 65+, 2012-16 Map 6 - Population Age 18-64, 2012-16 county and Wawarsing.
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Population, Minority: Areas with the highest non-White populations are around Shawangunk, Wawarsing, Plattekill, Kingston City, New Paltz and Lloyd. Single Female Family Households are mostly Scattered in parts of Map 8 – Population, Minority Map 9 – Single Female Family Households towns like Wawarsing, Plattekill, and Kingston City. Married Family Households with Children are mostly found in Saugerties, Gardiner, Shawangunk, and New Paltz. Married Family Households: Most are
Map 10 – Married Family Households with Map 11 – Married Family Households around Shawangunk, Children Gardner, New Paltz, and Saugerties. Households with Seniors Living Alone: Most are in the northwest area of the county and Wawarsing. Veterans: The area with the most Veterans is the north part of Hurley.
Map 12 – Households with Seniors Living Alone Map 13 - Veterans
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Map 14 – Disabled Population Map 15 – Disabled Population Age 0-17
Map 16 – Disabled Population Age 18-64 Map 17 – Disabled Population Age 65+
Disabled Population: Kingston City, Shandaken, part of Wawarsing and Plattekill have higher percentages of people with disabilities. Disabled Population Age 0-17: More children with disabilities live in Shandaken, Woodstock, Rochester, Esopus, and parts of Saugerties and Plattekill. Disabled Population Age 18-64: More adults with disabilities live in parts of Wawarsing, Kingston City, and Saugerties. Disabled Population Age 65+: The highest percent of adults with disabilities live in Plattekill.
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Population Below 185% Poverty: Areas of Wawarsing, New Paltz, and Kingston City.
Children Below 185% Poverty: Kingston City, Rochester, and parts of Wawarsing.
Adults 18-64 Below Map 18 – Population Below 185% Poverty Level Map 19 – Population Below 185% Poverty Level Children Age 0-17 185% Poverty: Mostly in parts of Wawarsing, Kingston City, and New Paltz.
Adults 65+ Below 185% Poverty: Areas of Kingston City and Saugerties have larger numbers of older adults in poverty.
Children 0-4 Below
Map 20 – Population Below 185% Poverty Level Map 21 – Population Below 185% Poverty Adult Poverty and Child Adult 18-64 Age 65+ Care, HS/EHS Facilities: Kingston City, Wawarsing, and Plattekill are served by Child Care and HS/EHS.
Households with Public Assistance or SNAP: Larger number found in Hardenburgh, Denning, Ulster, and Kingston City. Map 22 – Population Below Poverty Age 0-4 and Map 23 – Households with Public Assistance Child Care, HS/EHS Locations Income of SNAP Benefits
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Health: The highest percent of uninsured children is in Shandaken and uninsured adults in Shawangunk. Federally Qualified Health Centers are not located in areas of greatest need. The Life Expectancy at birth is highest in
Map 24 – Uninsured Population Age 0-17 Map 25 – Federally Qualified Health Centers Gardiner and lowest in and Uninsured Age 18-64 parts of Ulster. Ulster County has more access to Primary Care Physicians and Dentists than Sullivan County. Nutrition: More households receiving SNAP are located around Wawarsing and Kingston City where there are clusters of SNAP Retailers. Students Receiving Map 26 – Life Expectancy at Birth Map 27 – Access to Primary Care Physicians Free/Reduced Lunch are mostly scattered on the eastern part of the county.
Map 28 – Access to Dentists Map 29 – Households Receiving SNAP, SNAP Retailers, Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch
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Nutrition: Senior Households receive more SNAP benefits and live mostly in Hardenburgh, Saugerties, and Kingston City. Areas of the county that are considered foods deserts are in Kingston City, Wawarsing, and New Paltz. Map 31 – Food Desert Census Tract Map 30 – Households with Seniors Receiving SNAP
Map 33 – Monthly Homeowner Housing Costs
Map 34 – Owner Occupied Housing w/2 Map 32 – Cost Burdened Households and Race Mortgages and/or Home Equity Loans
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Housing: Areas with the most Cost Burdened Households are the southern part of the county, the center and the northeastern. Those are also parts of the county with higher numbers of minority populations. Monthly Homeowner Costs are highest on the eastern half of the county. Areas where homeowners have two mortgages and/or a home equity loan are Saugerties, Hurley, Esopus, Marlborough, Shawangunk, and Gardiner. Homes constructed before 1960 are mostly found in Shandaken, Woodstock, Hurley, Rosendale, and Wawarsing. Homes built between 1960 and 1979 are mostly in parts of Wawarsing and Esopus. Homes lacking complete plumbing are found most in Shawangunk.
Map 35 – Housing Constructed Before 1960 Map 36 – Housing Constructed Between 1960- 1979
Map 37 – Housing Units Lacking Complete Plumbing Facilities
Cost Burdened Households are found in parts of the county have the highest home value.
Map 38 – Cost Burdened Households and Housing Unit Value
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IMPRESSIONS and KEY FINDINGS - MAPS
Different areas throughout the county show different needs. Some communities near urban areas have more resources and some areas in rural parts of the county have less access to resources. Demographics throughout the county vary.
There are more seniors and people with disabilities living the northeastern part of the county while there is a younger population clustered around Kingston City and New Paltz where the university is located.
Poverty is seen in many areas but areas with the highest rates of poverty among different age groups is Kingston City, Wawarsing, and New Paltz. Shandaken does not have the highest rates of poverty, but they do have higher numbers of people with disabilities and people who are uninsured than other parts of the county.
Parts of the county with highest number of minority groups is Wawarsing, Shawangunk, Plattekill, New Paltz, and Kingston City.
Most of the county appears to have low affordability for buying and renting homes.
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POVERTY COUNTY COMPARISONS and SULLIVAN AT A GLANCE
Poverty County Comparisons, 2016-2017 Ulster Sullivan Orange Dutchess Greene Delaware NYS/US
Poverty Rate 13.2% 15.9% 12.2% 9.1% 12.4% 16.5% 15.1/14.6%
Children in 15.9% 23.4% 19.9% 11.8% 17.1% 30.7% 21.3/20.3% Poverty Unemployment 4.4% 5.5% 3.6% 4.2% 3.3% 3.9% 4.3/4.1% Uninsured 6.9% 7.7% 5.8% 5.6% 5.7% 7.1% 7.6/10.5% $77,141/ ACS Estimates* ACS Median Income $61,652 $53,877 $75,146 $75,585 $53,214 $47,921 $57,652
Population 41% 50% 47% 36% 48% 48%
Below ALICE
Threshold ALICE Survival $79,920 $65,796 $80,016 $68,808 $65,496 $62,700 Budget Annual Income
ALICE Survival $39.96 $32.90 $40.01 $34.40 $32.75 $31.35 ALICE Reports** ALICE Budget Hourly Wage Median Income $37,450 $35,972 $45,019 $44,736 $36,050 $31,595 in Poverty
White/Non- 11.3% 13.8% 10.8% 7.7% 11.4% 16.0% Hispanic in Poverty Black/Non- 32.1% 26.2% 18.3% 16.2% 36.9% 36.3% Hispanic in Poverty Hispanic in 25.6% 26.2% 15.4% 15.8% 9.6% 26.1% Poverty Female Head of 31.7% 43.0% 31.8% 29.2% 38.3% 54.0%
NYSCAA Poverty Reports*** Poverty NYSCAA Household with Children in Poverty
* Data is from the 2013-2017 ACS Estimates ** Data is from the 2018 ALICE Reports with data compiled from the 2012-2016 ACS Estimates. The Survival Budget is for a family of 2 adults, 1 infant, and 1 preschooler. *** Data is taken from the 2019 NYSCAA Poverty Reports with data compiled from the 2013- 2017 ACS Estimates Table 32 - Poverty County Comparisons, 2016-2017
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FOCUS GROUP and SURVEY KEY FINDINGS Focus Groups UCCAC held five focus groups throughout the county to gain a better perspective on needs of the community directly from residents of the community. The locations were Kingston Children’s Learning Center, UCCAC Office in Kingston, Ellenville Library, Saugerties Library, and Plattekill Library. A total of 83 community members attended and participated in the focus groups. The focus group questions are included in Appendix A – Focus Group Questions of this report.
Similar themes and concerns were identified among the responses from all the focus groups and are compiled below.
Food • Food pantries and resources exist but community members do not always know when or where the food is available to them. • Transportation to get food resources is a challenge for many people in need of the resources and hours the pantry is open limits access. • Food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, etc.) do not provide enough money to feed an entire family and people who have low paying jobs do not qualify for enough assistance to feed their families. • People may avoid food pantries and food assistance due to stigma and embarrassment. • When programs can deliver food to people in their homes or locations convenient to large populations, food resources go much further than when residents must find ways to get to the food available.
Health • There are new programs being introduced to help residents understand health insurance options along with program to help residents learn good health behaviors to reduce illness and disease. • Certain parts of the county have more health resources than others. Residents in more rural areas have a harder time accessing adequate health services and resources. • Mental health concerns are rising and the county does not yet have enough resources to address the complexities of mental health illnesses. • Adults and children with special health needs typically need to go outside the county to find specialized services. • Healthcare is a complex issue and residents may not know what resources are available or what services are covered under insurance. • Care for substance abuse has been identified as an issue and some programs are starting to address therapy and recovery options.
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Housing and Transportation • Housing is too expensive throughout the county. • Finding adequate housing (safe, clean, enough bedrooms) is difficult for many residents, especially people on a fixed income or looking for housing assistance. • Residents needing affordable or lower-income housing find that landlords and some property management do not uphold residents’ rights and are not held accountable for providing sub- standard housing. • Renters with lower incomes struggle to provide deposit plus first and last month’s rent in order to secure housing. There are some programs that help with the financial burden but not enough. • The public transportation system does not meet the needs of the residents in the county. The routes are limited and run times do not match the needs of people working. • It is difficult to work, go to school, get children to child care, and attend appointments without a personal vehicle. • There are not enough transportation options in the county. • Seniors have an especially difficult time finding access to transportation services.
Education and Child Care • Higher education in the county has programs and resources to assist students who need help applying, with financial aid, or student services. • Colleges and alternative education programs seem to be working to meet the needs of the students. • There are concerns about the readiness of high schoolers going to college or the workforce. Students might not have real-life skills going into adulthood. • Students access to technology and social media is a difficult balance. Teaching children to function in today’s society as well as keeping them safe from bullying and inappropriate usage of social media is a struggle. • The public school system does not seem equipped to handle cyber-bullying or mental health needs of adolescents. • More early childhood education is needed throughout the county. People who live next to HS/EHS and PreK schools are at an advantage and can attend the schools easily. • Child care is not affordable and difficult to find. • Many working families do not make enough to cover child care costs.
Social Services • There are many, helpful resources in Ulster County but access to them can be a challenge for certain populations.
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• Nonprofit agencies, churches, civic groups, and service groups do a good job creating programs and services but not everyone in the county knows what is available and how to access it. • People in more rural parts of the county do not have equal access to help compared to people living in more populated areas. • Seniors seem to be more disconnected than any other population due to the reliance on technology and social media. Older adults are less likely to connect with services via a computer than in-person. • Language barriers isolate people who do not speak English fluently and limit their ability to access services.
Surveys Three surveys were created to gain a better understanding of what the community thinks are areas of need. All surveys were available online and a printed copy could be available upon request or by visiting any of our UCCAC locations. The Agency survey was sent to UCCAC staff, volunteers, Board members, Policy Council Members, and consultants. The Partner Survey was sent via email to area agencies, churches, schools, and partners. The Community Survey was available to any Ulster County resident. The completion rates were: Agency Survey – 47 Partner Survey – 27 Community Survey – 47
This section will highlight responses from all three surveys. Completed survey results can be found in Appendix B – Survey Results of this assessment.
Living in Ulster County
How Long Have you lived in Ulster From all three surveys, respondents generally County? reported living in Ulster County had benefits and was an enjoyable place to live.
Of the community members who completed the survey, 50% of them have lived in Ulster County 31 years or more. When given a scale of 1-100 and asked how much they enjoy living in Ulster
0-5 Years 6-10 Years 11-20 Years County, the average number was 79. 21-30 Years 31+ Years
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Community Partners and the Agency were asked what the positive and challenging aspects were of living in Ulster County. Both groups had similar responses compiled below:
Positive Living – Top 5 Challenging Living – Top 5 Food Resources Transportation Social Service Resources Unaffordable Housing Strong Community Limited Job Market Location (Nature and NYC) Low Wages/Poverty Friends and Family Close Crime/Gangs
Needs of Social Services in the County
Community members were asked if all residents Do you feel Ulster County residents have equal access to the needs below? have equal access to basic needs. Quality education and healthy, affordable food had the Work that provides a living wage highest responses of “yes”. The highest Quality education responses of “no” were work that provides a
Affordable child care living wage and quality, affordable housing. Affordable child care had equal responses of “no” Safe, affordable housing and “I don’t know”. Quality, affordable healthcare
Reliable transportation Healthy, affordable food
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
I don't know No Yes
Similarly, to survey results from the 2016 CNA, most people living and working Ulster County believe there are many social service agencies working to meet the needs of the community but, for some, the need is either too great or the services are inaccessible. The charts below look at the need in the county and what services are not able to meet those needs. Community responses are in yellow, partner responses are in blue, and agency responses are in orange.
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Community residents feel the What do you think are the most pressing needs of the county? highest needs are:
Other (please specify) Job Skills/Employment Training – None of the Above Youth Programs 34% Veterans Services Transportation Heating/Utility Assistance – 31% Senior Citizen Services Safety/Crime Prevention Safe, Affordable Housing Transportation – 28% Mental Health Services Job Skills/Employment Training Heating/Utility Assistance Senior Citizen Services – 28% Healthcare Food Assistance Financial Assistance – 28% Financial Assistance Dental Care Child Care Adult Education/Literacy 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Partners feel the highest needs are: What are the top three most pressing needs of the low- income population in Ulster County? Transportation – 56% Other (please specify) None of the above Veterans Services Transportation Safe, Affordable Housing – 52% Youth Programs Substance Abuse Assistance Senior Citizens Services Healthcare – 33% Safety/Crime Prevention Safe, Affordable Housing Parenting Education Child Care – 33% Mental Health Services Job Skills/Employment Training Heating/Utility Assistance Health Care Food Assistance Financial Assistance Family Counseling Domestic Violence Assistance Dental Care Child Care Adult Education/Literacy
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
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Agency staff and volunteers feel What are the top most pressing needs of the low-income community? the highest needs are:
Other (please specify): Youth Programs Safe, Affordable Housing – 52% Veteran Services Transportation Summer Recreation Programs Heating/Utility Assistance – 33% Substance Abuse Assistance Senior Services Safety/Crime Prevention Safe, Affordable Housing Food Assistance – 30% Parenting Education Mental Health Services Job Skills/Employment Training Heating/Utility Assistance Health Care Food Assistance Financial Assistance Family Counseling Domestic Violence Assistance Dental Care Child Care Adult Education/Literacy
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
When the community was asked if If you or your family needed were to need assistance with they knew where to go for help with the areas above, would you know where to go for services? obtaining services, 49% said they are familiar with the agencies and would know where to go. 12% said they would not or probably would not know where to go.
Yes. I am familiar with the agencies and services available in the county. Probably. I would be able to find where to go. Have you ever heard of Ulster County Probably not. I would have a hard time finding where to go. Community Action, Inc. (UCCAC) before taking this survey? No. I would not know where to go.
52% of the community who responded to the survey say they had used UCCAC services before. Yes, but have never used UCCAC services 18% said they had never used UCCAC services or No heard of the agency. Yes, and have used UCCAC services
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The community members who What are the services you (or anyone in your household) needed in the past 12 months? completed the survey reported they needed these services the Other (please specify) None of the Above most: Youth Programs Veterans Services Transportation Food Assistance – 46% Senior Citizen Services Safety/Crime Prevention Safe, Affordable Housing Heating/Utility Assistance – 37% Mental Health Services Job Skills/Employment Training Heating/Utility Assistance Dental Care – 23% Healthcare Food Assistance Financial Assistance 26% of respondents reported that Dental Care Child Care they did not need any of the Adult Education/Literacy services on the list. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Partner survey respondents feel the Which of the following services do not meet the demand in Ulster County? needs not being met are:
Other (please specify) Transportation None of the above Veterans Services Transportation Safe, Affordable Housing Youth Programs Substance Abuse Assistance Mental Health Services Senior Citizens Services Safety/Crime Prevention Safe, Affordable Housing Job Skills/Employment Training Parenting Education Mental Health Services Job Skills/Employment Training Agency survey respondents feel the Heating/Utility Assistance needs not being met are: Health Care Safe, Affordable Housing Food Assistance Financial Assistance Family Counseling Transportation Domestic Violence Assistance Dental Care Substance Abuse Assistance Child Care
Adult Education/Literacy Mental Health Services 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Agency Partner
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES Ulster County offers a wide variety of social services for individuals and families. UCCAC staff members utilize local resources throughout the county to help serve the needs of the community. Below are resources frequently used and compiled by UCCAC staff at locations around the county. African Roots Library promotes literacy through teaching and learning about the African roots experience, including history and culture, through a dynamic exchange of information, ideas, and creativity. Always There Provides home health care for people of all ages. The Arc of Ulster-Greene Provides educational, vocational, and residential services for people with disabilities. Astor Services for Children provides behavioral health and educational services offering children the opportunity to meet life’s challenges, pursue their dreams, and reach their full potential Boys and Girls Club of Kingston Provides recreational, cultural, and educational programs for youth ages 8 to 18. Brookside School offers a regionally unique community preschool that serves children with and without special needs (Part of Ulster ARC). Center for Creative Education Nurtures creativity as a means for personal and communal transformation. Programs intended to build bridges of understanding between people through the arts. Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam works to promote affordable and quality child care, provide information and support to families, and strengthen the early childhood workforce in Dutchess and Putnam Counties. The Children’s Home of Kingston A residential treatment center and approved Special Education School currently serving boys aged 8-18 in a therapeutic milieu with residential and day programs. Committee on Preschool Special Education is part of the Ulster County Department of Social Services and advocates for early childhood special education. United Cerebral Palsy partners with communities throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley to empower people with disabilities to achieve their highest potential by providing innovative community, educational and residential services. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County focuses on commercial and consumer agriculture, nutrition and health, youth and families, finances, energy efficiency, economic and community development and sustainable natural resources. Cornerstone Family Health Center medical and outreach services for health and wellness of all ages. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Provides professionally trained volunteers to ensure a voice in Family Court for abused and neglected children of Ulster County. Ellenville Library provides resources, services and public programming of the highest possible quality to meet the ongoing informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of our broadly diverse community.
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Family of Woodstock Provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and childcare. Service areas include homelessness, domestic violence, adolescent issues, and childcare. Family Services Provides parent education, after-school programming, and substance abuse prevention services in Ulster County. Gateway Community Industries Provides vocational rehabilitation, training, and job placement for people with mental and physical disabilities. Habitat for Humanity dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. The Institute for Family Health provides care management and coordination of primary and acute health services, behavioral health care and long-term services and supports for adults and children with chronic conditions throughout Ulster County. Jewish Family Services of Ulster County Helps seniors by providing Home Visitor & Companion Program, Information & Referral, and Counseling. Kingston Housing Authority Provides homes for low-income City of Kingston Families. Lions See, Inc. decreases childhood blindness through early detection and treatment of the most common vision disorders that cause Ambylopia; insuring that all children of New York State will be able to SEE their future. Mental Health Association of Ulster County (MHA) Provides mental health education, advocacy, and services. Maternal Infant Services Network (MISN) Facilitated Health Insurance Enrollments, Maternal and Infant Health. Pediatric Dentistry Provides specialized dental care to children. Peekamoose Trading Providing Child Development Associate Training and Early Childhood Training needs. Plattekill Library promotes a lifelong appreciation for reading and other forms of learning. Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL) Provides services, information, and advocacy for people with disabilities to assist them in living and working independently in the community. Rose Women’s Care Services provides information, conducts educational events, and makes referrals in order for women and their families to make empowered choices for their health and well-being. RUPCO Creates and develops affordable homeownership and rental opportunities and fosters development and revitalization for a diverse community within Ulster County. Saugerties Boys and Girls Club made up of three individual programs spread across the Saugerties area. Each program offers a rewarding youth development opportunity for the kids and a convenience of location for families. Saugerties Library promotes a lifelong appreciation for reading and other forms of learning.
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St. Mary of the Snow-St. Joseph Early Childhood Center full-time, year round, non-denominational state licensed center caring for children ages 3-12. SUNY New Paltz nationally accredited programs in art education, art history, art studio, music, and theatre arts are taught by dedicated faculty who bring decades of experience in creative work, performance, and independent scholarship in the classroom. SUNY Ulster Literacy provides a web-based information literacy template that is currently available to all SUNY campuses. Town of Esopus Library promotes a lifelong appreciation for reading and other forms of learning. Ulster BOCES provides educational leadership and support, along with more than 200 innovative and cost-effective programs and services, to help the eight public school districts in Ulster County meet their academic, administrative, and operational goals. Ulster County Community Action Provides emergency assistance and case management support to residents of Ulster County. Ulster County Community College a comprehensive community college dedicated to providing high- quality and cost-effective learning experiences that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in a diverse, ever-changing, and interconnected global community. Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program designed for recognizing the special needs, concerns and problems associated with being a victim of crime. All information is kept confidential and there is no pressure to prosecute. Ulster County Department of Health offers a wide range of services and programs to County residents designed to prevent illness and ensure their physical, psychological and emotional well– being. Ulster County Early Intervention Services provides services for children from birth to two years of age who have a defined developmental disability. The program provides screening, evaluations and services and there is no out-of-pocket cost to eligible participants. Ulster County Office for the Aging Assists Ulster County seniors to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Ulster County Rural Transportation Passengers in the respective rural route areas are encouraged to use the rural route buses for shopping, medical appointments, etc. Ulster County Sherriff’s Department serve the public by enhancing our partnership with the community, and in so doing, protect life and property, prevent crime, solve problems and foster good will through courtesy and professionalism (Provides car seat safety clinics). Ulster Literacy Association Provides one-on-one tutoring for adults in basic reading and writing, and English as a second language. Ulster Prevention Council works to prevent substance abuse by Ulster County youth and families. UPC provides evidence-based school and community prevention services. United Cerebral Palsy partners with communities throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley to empower people with disabilities to achieve their highest potential by providing innovative community, educational and residential services.
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Wellness Recovery Provides a website as a public service for community members to review and retrieve information about recovery-oriented programs and services in Ulster County, NY. Worker Justice Center of New York Provides free legal services and education to low wage workers in Ulster County. YMCA Provides a wide variety of youth and adult programs primarily in the area of recreation. YWCA Provides educational programming for youth and parents, and childcare services.
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Graph 1 - Gender ...... 11 Graph 2 - Age ...... 11 Graph 3 - Breakdown of Children under 18 ...... 11 Graph 4 - Ethnicity ...... 11 Graph 5 - Race ...... 11 Graph 6 - Percent Population with a Disability Comparison, 2017 ...... 12 Graph 7 - Percent Linguistically Isolated Population ...... 13 Graph 8 - Spending by County Government (per capita), 2008-2016 ...... 14 Graph 9 - Tourism Revenue Comparison (per resident), 2006-2016 ...... 14 Graph 10 - Median Household Income County Comparison ...... 16 Graph 11 - Median Household Income by Race/Ethnicity, 2016 ...... 16 Graph 12 - Ulster Median Household Income by Municipality ...... 16 Graph 13 - People Living in Poverty Comparison, 2000-2016 ...... 17 Graph 14 – Ulster Population Living in Poverty by Race/Ethnicity, 2016 ...... 17 Graph 15 - Ulster Residents Living in Poverty by Municipality, 2016 ...... 17 Graph 16 - ALICE Threshold for Ulster Households, 2016 ...... 18 Graph 17 - ALICE Threshold for Ulster Municipalities, 2016 ...... 18 Graph 18 - Gender Breakdown of Ulster Children Ages 0-17, 2017 ...... 20 Graph 19 - Percent Ulster Children, Under 18, Living in Poverty by Municipality, 2000- 2016 ...... 21 Graph 20 - Percent Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Price Lunch by School District, 2014-2017 ...... 22 Graph 21 - Ulster Rate of Child Abuse and Neglect, 2002-2017 ...... 23 Graph 22 - Ulster County Foster Care Trends, 2013-2017 ...... 23 Graph 23 - Ulster Rate of Foster Care Admissions, 2011-17 ...... 23 Graph 24 - Infant Mortality Rate Comparison, 2007-2017 ...... 24 Graph 25 - Early Prenatal Care by Mother's Race/Ethnicity, 2015 ...... 24 Graph 26 - Ulster Number of Teen Pregnancies, 2008-2015 ...... 24 Graph 27 - Low Birth Weight Babies Comparison, 2007-2017 ...... 25 Graph 28 - Ulster Children Overweight or Obese by Grade, 2014-2018 ...... 25 Graph 29 - Ulster Children Overweight or Obese by School District, 2016-2018 ...... 26 Graph 30 - Ulster County Asthma Emergency Department Visits, Ages 0-4, 2005-2014 ...... 26
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Graph 31 - Children Receiving Subsidized Child Care Comparison, 2007-2016 ...... 27 Graph 32 - Ulster County Child Care Costs ...... 28 Graph 33 - Preschoolers Receiving Special Education Services Comparison, 2000-2016 ...... 28 Graph 34 - Students Age 6-21 Receiving Special Education Services Comparison, 2010- 2016 ...... 29 Graph 35 - Ulster Students Receiving Special Education by School District, 2010-2016 ...... 29 Graph 36 - Per Student Spending Comparison, 2000-2016 ...... 30 Graph 37 - Per Student Spending by School District, 2016 ...... 30 Graph 38 - Bullying Rates Comparison, 2010-2016 ...... 30 Graph 39 – Ulster School Districts Bullying Rates, 2016 2018Comparison, 2016 ...... 30 Graph 40 - Prekindergarten Participation Comparison, 2002-2016 ...... 31 Graph 41 - High School Cohort Dropout Rate Comparison, 2008-2017 ...... 34 Graph 42 - High School Cohort Dropout Rate by School District ...... 34 Graph 43 - Ulster High School GED Rate, 2008-2017 ...... 34 Graph 44 - Households by Type, 2012-2016 ...... 37 Graph 45 - Ulster Pregnancies by Race/Ethnicity, 2015 ...... 37 Graph 46 - Ulster Single-Parent Families, 2000-2016 ...... 37 Graph 47 - Ulster County Adults Bachelor’s Degree or Higher by Race/Ethnicity, 2017 ...... 38 Graph 48 - Ulster Adult Education Levels per Municipality, 2016 ...... 38 Graph 49 - Ulster Poverty Comparison, Age and Gender, 2017 ...... 39 Graph 50 - Change in Jobs Comparison, 2008-2016 ...... 41 Graph 51 - Ulster Commuter Travel Patterns 2016 ...... 42 Graph 52 - Ulster Residents Travel Time to Work, 2016 ...... 42 Graph 53 - Vehicle Ownership, 2016 ...... 42 Graph 54 - Food Desert Population, 2015 ...... 43 Graph 55 – Percent Population with Low Food Access, 2015 ...... 43 Graph 56 - Percent Population Receiving SNAP Benefits, 2015 ...... 43 Graph 57 – Percent Adults with BMI>30 (obese), 2015 ...... 43 Graph 58 – Percent Population Smoking Cigarettes (Age-Adjusted) ...... 43 Graph 59 – Percentage Mothers with Late or No Prenatal Care, 2016 ...... 44
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Graph 60 – Percent Adults with Heart Disease ...... 44 Graph 61 – Drug Poisoning Age-Adjusted Death Rate (Per 1000,000 Pop.), 2016 ...... 44 Graph 62 – People Under 65 Without Health Insurance Comparison, 2010-2017 ...... 46 Graph 63 – Primary Care Physicians, Rate per 100,000, 2015 ...... 46 Graph 64 – Dentists, Rate per 1000,000, 2015 ...... 46 Graph 65 – Mental Health Care Providers, Rate per 100,000, 2015 ...... 46 Graph 66 - Homeless Persons per 10,000 Residents Comparison, 2010-2016 ...... 47 Graph 67 - Total Housing Units ...... 50 Graph 68 - Mean Price of Homes, 2016 ...... 51 Graph 69 – Ulster County Homes without Plumbing, 2016 ...... 51 Graph 70 – Percent Occupied Housing Units with One or More Substandard condition, 2016 ...... 51 Graph 71 - Percent Veterans Living in Poverty Comparison, 2016 ...... 53 Graph 72 - Ambulatory Care Sensitive Condition Discharge Rate (Preventable Hospital Visit), 2015 ...... 54 Graph 73 - Percent Medicare Population with Depression, 2015 ...... 54 Graph 74 - Health Indicators for Medicare Beneficiaries, 2015 ...... 54 Graph 75 - Unemployment Comparison, 2017 ...... 55 Graph 76 - Disability Comparison, 2017 ...... 55
Table 1 – Ulster County Population Change 2000-2017 ...... 10 Table 2 – Population by Municipality 2010-2015 ...... 10 Table 3 - Ulster County Households ...... 12 Table 4 - Ulster County Food Service and Accommodation 2012 ...... 14 Table 5 - Ulster Economic Industries 2012 ...... 15 Table 6 - Live Births in Ulster County School Districts, 2012-2016 ...... 20 Table 7 – Poverty Ages 0-4 by Race and Ethnicity ...... 21 Table 8 - Language Spoken at Home, Children 5-17 Years, Below Poverty, 2016 ...... 22 Table 9 - Ulster County Child Care Providers by Type, 2012-2017 ...... 27 Table 10 - Students with IEP and ELL by District, 2015-2016………………………………….…29 Table 11 – Student Performance on Grade 4 English ...... 31 Table 12 - Student Performance on Grade 4 English by Economic Background, Low- income Students ...... 32
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Table 13 - Student Performance on Grade 4 Math ...... 32 Table 14 - Student Performance on Grace 4 Math by Economic Background, Low- income Students ...... 33 Table 15 – Ulster County Educational Attainment, 2017 ...... 38 Table 16 - Ulster ALICE Household Survival Budget, 2016 ...... 39 Table 17 - Jobs and Wages for Ulster County, 2017 ...... 40 Table 18 – Labor Force Changes for Ulster County, 2017 ...... 41 Table 19 – Ulster County Unemployment Rate, 2018 ...... 41 Table 20 – Number of Domestic Violence Victims ...... 45 Table 21 – Number of Violent Crimes ...... 45 Table 22 – Ulster County Residential Building Permits, 2017 ...... 47 Table 23 – Ulster County Housing Units, 2016 ...... 47 Table 24 - Ulster Homeownership Rates ...... 48 Table 25 - Rent as a percentage of Household Income…………………………………………….48 Table 26 - Housing Affordability for Homeowners ...... 49 Table 27 - 2019 Ulster Fair Market Rents ...... 50 Table 28 - Low-income Housing Complex Locations ...... 50 Table 29 - Commonly Used Heating Fuel ...... 52 Table 30 - Housing Units Lacking Telephone Service ...... 52 Table 31 - Number of Seniors Living in Poverty ...... 53 Table 32 - Poverty County Comparisons, 2016-2017 ...... 67
Map 1 - Ulster and Sullivan Counties ...... 58 Map 2 - Population Density, 2012-16 ...... 59 Map 3 - Population Age 0-17, 2012-16 ...... 59 Map 4 - Population Age 18-24, 2012-16 ...... 59 Map 5 - Population Age 25-34, 2012-16 ...... 59 Map 6 - Population Age 18-64, 2012-16 ...... 59 Map 7 - Population Age 65+, 2012-16 ...... 59 Map 8 – Population, Minority ...... 60 Map 9 – Single Female Family Households ...... 60 Map 10 – Married Family Households with Children ...... 60 Map 11 – Married Family Households ...... 60
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Map 12 – Households with Seniors Living Alone ...... 60 Map 13 - Veterans ...... 60 Map 14 – Disabled Population ...... 61 Map 15 – Disabled Population Age 0-17 ...... 61 Map 16 – Disabled Population Age 18-64 ...... 61 Map 17 – Disabled Population Age 65+ ...... 61 Map 18 – Population Below 185% Poverty Level ...... 62 Map 19 – Population Below 185% Poverty Level Children Age 0-17 ...... 62 Map 20 – Population Below 185% Poverty Level Adult 18-64 ...... 62 Map 21 – Population Below 185% Poverty Adult Age 65+ ...... 62 Map 22 – Population Below Poverty Age 0-4 and Child Care, HS/EHS Locations ...... 62 Map 23 – Households with Public Assistance Income of SNAP Benefits ...... 62 Map 24 – Uninsured Population Age 0-17 ...... 63 Map 25 – Federally Qualified Health Centers and Uninsured Age 18-64 ...... 63 Map 26 – Life Expectancy at Birth ...... 63 Map 27 – Access to Primary Care Physicians ...... 63 Map 28 – Access to Dentists ...... 63 Map 29 – Households Receiving SNAP, SNAP Retailers, Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch ...... 63 Map 30 – Households with Seniors Receiving SNAP ...... 64 Map 31 – Food Desert Census Tract ...... 64 Map 32 – Cost Burdened Households and Race ...... 64 Map 33 – Monthly Homeowner Housing Costs ...... 64 Map 34 – Owner Occupied Housing w/2 Mortgages and/or Home Equity Loans ...... 64 Map 35 – Housing Constructed Before 1960 ...... 65 Map 36 – Housing Constructed Between 1960-1979 ...... 65 Map 37 – Housing Units Lacking Complete Plumbing Facilities ...... 65 Map 38 – Cost Burdened Households and Housing Unit Value ...... 65
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APPENDICES
Appendix A – Focus Group Questions Focus Group Questions
UCCAC, Inc. Community Needs Assessment – Winter 2019
Thank you for participating in our Community Needs Assessment Focus Group. We value your input and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Feel free to write your thoughts below.
Location:______
Nutrition and Health
Do you think Ulster County residents have regular and consistent access to healthy, affordable food? Where might there be gaps, also known as “food deserts”, in accessible food?
______
Do you think there is adequate food assistance for people who need it? Food assistance can be anything from food pantries to Meals on Wheels to government food programs (WIC, SNAP, etc.).
______
What do you think are the biggest concerns around health insurance in Ulster County?
______
Do you think there are adequate mental health services in the county? Do you think mental health is an issue that needs further attention and resources?
______
Housing and Transportation
Throughout Ulster County, is it easy to find safe housing options? Is it easy to find affordable housing?
______
Do you think the housing market in Ulster County is comparable to surrounding counties? Is it more or less affordable to live in Ulster County than surrounding counties?
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______
Is it easy to get around the county? What are some of the most challenging aspects of getting reliable transportation (try to get a list in order of greatest to least)?
______
Education and Child Care
Do you think Ulster County schools offer fair and equal education to all residents? Do they receive adequate funding to provide comprehensive education?
______
Are child care needs being met in the county? What struggles do parents face looking for child care?
______
Are students in Ulster County prepared for higher education, trade schools, or the work force upon graduation? Is it easy to go back to school to obtain a higher degree later in life?
______
Social Services
How do you think the rate of poverty in Ulster County compares to surrounding communities? Does Ulster County have services and organizations working to help residents who have low-no incomes?
______
What do you think are some causes families or individuals find themselves below the poverty line? Are these specific to Ulster County? What does it take to become self-sufficient?
______
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Appendix B – Survey Results
Community Member Needs Survey Have you ever heard of Ulster County Community Action, Inc. (UCCAC) before taking this survey? Answer Choices Responses Yes, but have never used UCCAC 30.30% 10 services No 18.18% 6 Yes, and have used UCCAC services 51.52% 17 Answered 33 Skipped 2
On a scale of 1-100, how much do you enjoy living in Ulster County? Answer Choices Average Number Total Number Responses (no label) 79.41176471 2700 100.00% 34 Answered 34 Skipped 1
Where in Ulster County do you live? Answered 33 Skipped 2 Responses Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Saugerties (town) Plattekill Wallkill Highland Ellenville Lloyd Kingston NY Woodstock ny Highland---New Paltz area Kingston Accord
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Saugerties Saugerties Port ewen Lake Katrine Kingston Kingston modena marlboro Saugerties Hurley Port ewen Clintondale Northeast area
How long have you lived in Ulster County? Answer Choices Responses 0-5 Years 5.88% 2 6-10 Years 20.59% 7 11-20 Years 14.71% 5 21-30 Years 8.82% 3 31+ Years 50.00% 17 Answered 34 Skipped 1
What do you think are the most pressing needs in the county? Check three. Answer Choices Responses Adult Education/Literacy 14.29% 5 Child Care 17.14% 6 Dental Care 5.71% 2 Financial Assistance 28.57% 10 Food Assistance 20.00% 7 Healthcare 14.29% 5 Heating/Utility Assistance 31.43% 11 Job Skills/Employment Training 34.29% 12 Mental Health Services 20.00% 7 Safe, Affordable Housing 28.57% 10 Safety/Crime Prevention 5.71% 2 Senior Citizen Services 28.57% 10 Transportation 28.57% 10 Veterans Services 2.86% 1 Youth Programs 25.71% 9
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None of the Above 2.86% 1 Other (please specify) 11.43% 4 Answered 35 Skipped 0
If you or your family were to need assistance with the areas above, would you know where to go for services? Answer Choices Responses Yes. I am familiar with the agencies and services available in the county. 48.57% 17 Probably. I would be able to find where to go. 40.00% 14 Probably not. I would have a hard time finding where to go. 5.71% 2 No. I would not know where to go. 5.71% 2 Answered 35 Skipped 0
What are the services you (or anyone in your household) needed in the past 12 months. Check all that apply. Answer Choices Responses Adult Education/Literacy 2.86% 1 Child Care 5.71% 2 Dental Care 28.57% 10 Financial Assistance 22.86% 8 Food Assistance 45.71% 16 Healthcare 25.71% 9 Heating/Utility Assistance 37.14% 13 Job Skills/Employment Training 14.29% 5 Mental Health Services 11.43% 4 Safe, Affordable Housing 8.57% 3 Safety/Crime Prevention 5.71% 2 Senior Citizen Services 17.14% 6 Transportation 17.14% 6 Veterans Services 2.86% 1 Youth Programs 2.86% 1 None of the Above 25.71% 9 Other (please specify) 8.57% 3 Answered 35 Skipped 0
Do you feel Ulster County residents have equal access to the needs below? Yes No I don't know Total Average
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Yes No I don't know Healthy, affordable food 60.00% 21 28.57% 10 11.43% 4 35 1.51 Reliable transportation 38.24% 13 32.35% 11 29.41% 10 34 1.91 Quality, affordable 45.71% 16 28.57% 10 25.71% 9 35 1.8 healthcare Safe, affordable 31.43% 11 42.86% 15 25.71% 9 35 1.94 housing Affordable child care 29.41% 10 35.29% 12 35.29% 12 34 2.06 Quality education 70.59% 24 14.71% 5 14.71% 5 34 1.44 Work that provides a 31.43% 11 51.43% 18 17.14% 6 35 1.86 living wage Answered 35 Skipped 0
What is your current employment status? Answer Choices Responses Employed Full Time (40 or more hours per 20.00% 7 week) Employed Part Time (up to 39 hours per week) 22.86% 8 Unemployed and currently looking for work 14.29% 5 Unemployed and not looking for work 2.86% 1 Student 2.86% 1 Retired 22.86% 8 Homemaker 0.00% 0 Self-employed 2.86% 1 Unable to work 11.43% 4 Volunteer 0.00% 0 Answered 35 Skipped 0
What is the highest level of education you have completed? Answer Choices Responses Did not attend school 0.00% 0 Less than a high school diploma 5.71% 2 Graduated from high school 34.29% 12 Some college 25.71% 9 Graduated from college 20.00% 7 Some graduate school 0.00% 0 Completed graduate school 14.29% 5 Answered 35 Skipped 0
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What is your yearly household income? Answer Choices Responses Under $15,000 24.24% 8 Between $15,000 and $29,999 39.39% 13 Between $30,000 and $49,999 18.18% 6 Between $50,000 and $74,999 9.09% 3 Between $75,000 and $99,999 6.06% 2 Over $100,000 3.03% 1 Answered 33 Skipped 2
Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin? Answer Choices Responses Yes 8.57% 3 No 91.43% 32 Answered 35 Skipped 0
How would you describe yourself? Select all that apply. Answer Choices Responses White or Caucasian 74.29% 26 Black or African American 20.00% 7 Hispanic or Latino 8.57% 3 Asian or Asian American 0.00% 0 American Indian or Alaska Native 2.86% 1 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.00% 0 Another race 0.00% 0 Answered 35 Skipped 0
What is your age? Answer Responses Choices 18 to 24 5.71% 2 25 to 34 22.86% 8 35 to 44 14.29% 5 45 to 54 14.29% 5 55 to 64 20.00% 7 65 to 74 14.29% 5 75 or older 8.57% 3 Answered 35 Skipped 0
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Feel free to add anything you would like UCCAC, Inc. to know about the needs of Ulster County residents.
Answered 8 Skipped 27 Responses Assistance for the homebound -- especially elderly -- short and/or long term Need more available jobs for people seeking work and income There are alot of needy people in Ulster County. My county has always had that stigma of being less then affluent. Even though it has grown over the years there are still needy families & other folkes in this county working or not. I am a social worker speaking on behalf of my clients. The lack of transportation is a hardship if you do not live right on rt 209 or rt 28. In Ellenville there is no supportive meeting place. They are in desperate need of a YMCA to offer activities/sports, youth programs, a sense of community and maybe a community pool. Most importantly an acceptable place to gather in a socially acceptable manner. If it wasn't for the high taxes, property and school taxes. It would be a perfect place to live Decent, affordable housing is a MUST. Rents here,if they can be foun, due to the rising Air BNBs in the area are ridiculous and I don't know how some people can even afford a place to live if they aren't working more than 1 job. My husband lost his job due to a temp disability. I’m disabled. It’s been hard to find any help Expanded bus service to rural areas with added pickup locations to give more people the opportunity to get bus service for work, doctors and food. There are many miles of roads in my area that are not accessed by any bus except the rural route once a week for over 60.
Partner Agency Survey What is the type of organization you represent? Answer Choices Responses Community-based 44.44% 12 Faith-based 7.41% 2 Private sector 11.11% 3 Public sector 14.81% 4 Educational institution 3.70% 1 Other (please specify) 18.52% 5 Answered 27 Skipped 0
What is your organization's relationship to Ulster County Community Action? Answer Choices Responses Not affiliated or associated with Ulster County Community Action, Inc. 25.93% 7 Collaborative partner (referrals, shared resources, etc.) 33.33% 9
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Contract partner (legal agreement, MOU, etc.) 7.41% 2 Fellow human service agency with no partnership 22.22% 6 Other (please specify) 11.11% 3 Answered 27 Skipped 0
List three things about Ulster County that support positive living conditions.
Answer Choices Responses Positive 1 26 Positive 2 26 Positive 3 22 Answered 26 Skipped 1 Positive 1 Positive 2 Positive 3 Less pollution Safer Friendlier environment Community Great schools support COMMUNITY LIFE SMALL COMMUNITIES
Rupco Section Eight Family Inn Shelter Little traffic Much outdoor Good School Systems activity and resources diverse population access to relatively good access outdoors to healthy foods in pantries Community Outreach efforts Multigenerational initiatives opportunities
Food pantry Access to the Early headstart YMCA Local Resources Networking Resources available to for food in Meetings to the community Kingston collaborate with other CBO's Strong social Committed Community Task support network County Forces government and legislature Balanced, resilient Strong Strong NFP human economy government services human services Open space farm stands parks Our parks and rail landlord laws access to free art trails
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Number of Non- Health and Hospitality and profit agencies to Human Services Tourism support offered to community underserved Nature Urban , Suburban Not For Profit agencies and Rural assisting those in need
Availability of Good health and Education programs early childhood family services development programs programs lower rents supportive services closeby
Food pantry LIHEAP Tax prep help Social Services Lots of nature People tend to have a Agencies have a and outdoor sense of community positive healthy free relationship with options for local government leisure and exercise affordable housing food security educational opportunities Affordability Resources Business opportunities Natural resources Transportation to NYC Metro and Albany area Community Natural Local Farms environment Affordable place to clean friendly teach crafts
Nice mix of urban, Strong Very community suburban, rural health/human minded - caring about areas service each other community Health care Transportation Affordable Housing
List 3 things about Ulster County that create challenging living conditions. Answer Choices Responses Challenging 1 100.00% 27 Challenging 2 96.30% 26 Challenging 3 88.89% 24 Answered 27 Skipped 0 Challenging 1 Challenging 2 Challenging 3 Transportation Literacy Employment Cost of living Cost of food Childcare COST OF LIVING COST OF FOOD
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Low income Lack of Education Poor economy in Kingston Area
Not enough mental Very little housing Not a lot of health providers for elders opportunity for people with college degrees outside of school systems and health fields. lack of efficient lack of jobs that pay housing can be public transportation living wages either unaffordable or poor quality
Transportation Financial equity Safe housing Lack of youth Lack of living wage Lack business programs jobs classes
Transportation No resources No networking available in Meetings in Southern Ulster Southern Ulster County Transportation Distance Communication High cost of living Shortsge of Affordable and (taxes plus) affordable housing accessible transportation lack of public lack of educated lack of employment transportation workforce based on abilities of community members bus system weather high taxes Not enough housing Resources for High cost of home for those in need underserved - could prices - makes it be better difficult for people to get into homes
Unaffordable housing Lack of public Lack of Child Care transportation
Low income High Rent does not rural areas are a employment match income in the challange for elderly county who no longer drive
High living cost Limited resources Limited job market not enough housing political interference not enough industry with housing plans to support salaries
Low wages Lack of good jobs Transportation is Low income housing Tax base can not difficult and there is is in short supply support little to know mass programming transit no education/no underemployment discrimination English Low housing stock Low income Clicks and blocks
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High residential Very high Duplication of property Taxes commercial tax rates services via government Transportation Low wages High cost of housing & taxes none lack of affordable lack of high paying lack of public housing employment/too transportation in much minimum rural areas wage Transportation Housing Senior Day Care
What are the top three most pressing needs of the low- income population in Ulster County? Check only three: Answer Choices Responses Adult Education/Literacy 7.41% 2 Child Care 33.33% 9 Dental Care 7.41% 2 Domestic Violence Assistance 0.00% 0 Family Counseling 0.00% 0 Financial Assistance 11.11% 3 Food Assistance 18.52% 5 Health Care 33.33% 9 Heating/Utility Assistance 11.11% 3 Job Skills/Employment Training 22.22% 6 Mental Health Services 29.63% 8 Parenting Education 7.41% 2 Safe, Affordable Housing 51.85% 14 Safety/Crime Prevention 7.41% 2 Senior Citizens Services 3.70% 1 Substance Abuse Assistance 11.11% 3 Youth Programs 7.41% 2 Transportation 55.56% 15 Veterans Services 0.00% 0 None of the above 0.00% 0 Other (please specify) 3.70% 1 Answered 27 Skipped 0
Which of the following services do not meet the demand in Ulster County? Check only three: Answer Choices Responses Adult Education/Literacy 3.70% 1 Child Care 14.81% 4
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Dental Care 11.11% 3 Domestic Violence Assistance 0.00% 0 Family Counseling 0.00% 0 Financial Assistance 11.11% 3 Food Assistance 7.41% 2 Health Care 18.52% 5 Heating/Utility Assistance 11.11% 3 Job Skills/Employment Training 25.93% 7 Mental Health Services 25.93% 7 Parenting Education 3.70% 1 Safe, Affordable Housing 59.26% 16 Safety/Crime Prevention 3.70% 1 Senior Citizens Services 7.41% 2 Substance Abuse Assistance 14.81% 4 Youth Programs 14.81% 4 Transportation 59.26% 16 Veterans Services 0.00% 0 None of the above 3.70% 1 Other (please specify) 11.11% 3 Answered 27 Skipped 0
Do you know of any community services that have been eliminated or reduced in the last year? Answer Choices Responses No 73.08% 19 Yes 26.92% 7 If yes, please specify: 6 Answered 26 Skipped 1
Are you aware of any impending funding cuts that may impact community services in the future? Answer Choices Responses No 79.17% 19 Yes 20.83% 5 If yes, please specify: 4 Answered 24 Skipped 3
What can we do as community partners to better address these issues in the future? Answered 22
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Skipped 5 Responses Better pay More public transportation More education Need to make the area more attractive to mental health clinicians. Must attract more providers. Transportation in particular always comes up as an issue and is discussed, but no real solutions present themselves. Perhaps a focused committee or task force that could do a needs assessment to start figuring out how to deal with the issue. Listen to the people. Get the people who run the county out of their offices and out in the community to actually see and experience what barriers the citizens of ulster county experience. It’s the people in the trenches that are trying to work within their financial allotments that truly understand the frustrations and limitations that nontrench people will ever understand. Do t get a bunch of leguslators together for a community sweep. Have each of those legislators shadow a human services worker for a day and have them actually see what happens, let’s aay a DSS case worker or a caseworker in children’s services. Or an actual low income person shopping with SNAP or food welfare credits. Reality, what a concept. Food nutrition trips to the grocery to budget money and make a healthy meal (Crock-Pot meals). Fitness and wellness program would provide extra time for childcare while introducing families to healthy living habits. To not forget about the other towns in Ulster County and to offer them resources as much as they do in Kingston. It is far for the people and families of Southern Ulster to get assistance and transportation to Kingston is not present.
More funding for all of these services Focus on root causes (literacy, parenting, etc) not just the symptoms. Break the cycles without creating dependency. continue your great services! more collaboration Shared resources - less operating expenses Lobby for more rental subsidy. UCAT services for the elderly are only for grocery store and or medical appointments. WE need to serve our elderly better when it comes to transportation Advocate for more resources and partnerships with local business band together for innovative solutions to transportation issues and education Work Jointly to apply for Grants\Funding to be able to qualify for larger grants, stream line services fight together for what's right
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Work together and provide people every opportunity they have in their power to do without prejudice
Consolidate government services I don't know
If you are aware of any potential collaboration opportunities between Ulster County Community Action and other Ulster County agencies/organizations, please list below:
Answered 11 Skipped 16 Responses Don't know I'm not I attend Healthy Ulster, Wawarsing Council, and Eat Well Kingston meetings. Usually there is not a representative from Community Action present but that would be a great way to start the discussion. MVP Health Care has tabled at the Community Action sites to be involved in the community and to assist people and families who have health care insurance questions and concerns. Feeding/food insecurity Disaster relief Home heating/energy efficiency People's Place would like to collaborate on specialty events/programs. I don't know who UCCA should collaborate with let's talk I tried to collaborate with ucca and was unsuccessful School districts, People's Place and YMCA seem to be building their own fiefdoms.
Would you be interested in being contacted to further discuss community needs in Ulster County or possible partnerships? Answer Choices Responses Yes 48.00% 12 No 52.00% 13 Answered 25 Skipped 2
Board/Staff/Volunteer Survey What is your role within UCCAC? Answer Choices Responses
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Employee 34.04% 16 Head Start Policy Council 0.00% 0 Member Outreach Policy Council Member 0.00% 0 Intern 4.26% 2 Board of Directors Member 19.15% 9 Volunteer 40.43% 19 Other: Please specify 2.13% 1 Answered 47 Skipped 0
If you are a Board Member, what sector do you represent? Answer Choices Responses Neighborhood 40.00% 4 Public (elected official or representative) 30.00% 3 Private 30.00% 3 Answered 10 Skipped 37
How long have you been a part of UCCAC Answer Choices Responses less than 1 year 8.89% 4 1-5 years 55.56% 25 6-10 years 13.33% 6 11-15 years 6.67% 3 16-20 years 4.44% 2 21+ years 11.11% 5 Answered 45 Skipped 2
How would you rate your knowledge of UCCAC's programs and services? Answer Choices Responses Extremely knowledgeable 27.66% 13 Very knowledgeable 46.81% 22 Somewhat knowledgeable 23.40% 11 No knowledge 2.13% 1 Answered 47 Skipped 0
Please list three positive aspects of living in Ulster County:
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Answer Choices Responses 1. 100.00% 41 2. 95.12% 39 3. 85.37% 35 Answered 41 Skipped 6 1. 2. 3. knowing your neighbors Beautiful area, Caring communities Location-easy mountains and river access to NYC and Albany Beautiful scenery and People are generally Centrally located area to live open and friendly with many things to do People Helping Agencies community diversity beauty of the region peacefull love trees low on crime The history The scenery Outdoor Activities Strong sense of Easy commuting community
Beautiful scenery Great access to fresh Friendly community fruits and vegetables
Quiet Nice communities Weather People Close to stores Fresh Apples when in good community good schooling season
Good schools good communities solid help for seniors Taxes lower than other counties
Quiet Beautiful Lovely Access to Services Quiet Beautiful Available Programs Attractions - County clean environment - view family friendly
Communities come Many Friendly people, together during crisis caring
The landscape Access to NYC & The 4 seasons Boston
Scenic community Recreational Relatively good opportunities community collaboration
Not over populated. Mountain views. Close to NJ. site seeing/history weather variety of things do do IT'S HISTORY IT'S SITES SCENIC VIEW
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Diverse Area to Live Small Communities Easy To Commute the area's beauty peacefullness my family diversity activites education Diversity Positive Community Suburban rural area involvement
The landscape The diverse The community atmosphere feeling Counrty setting Beautiful mountains Close to New York City
Location to city Environment People Cheap cost of living Scenic Lots of history Mountains Environmental Many hiking trails Protection
Short drive to Lower cost of living Services in the Area everything Financial help available many food pantries no extreme weathers like other parts of the country many resources for lots of churches beautiful scenery assisting with financial needs lots of help with beautiful scenery many restaurants financial needs, food, etc. Family lives here Good weather lots of help for people I have alot of friends I like mountains, many churches to here scenery help My family is here Various Agencies to many churches assist people
Nice scenery friendly people various assistance for people friends and family are lots of recreational cheaper than here activities Dutchess County to live
Please list three negative aspects of living in Ulster County: Answer Choices Responses 1. 100.00% 39 2. 94.87% 37 3. 79.49% 31 Answered 39 Skipped 8 1. 2. 3.
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High poverty No higher level of transportation employment issues opportunites
Aging infrastructure Needs more job High cost of living needs replacing opportunities t
High Rents lack of jobs housing not enough housing not enough lack of comeradity for large families vocational jobs
Lack of transportation Poverty Crime Unemployment Taxes Cost of Living Poor road quality Lack of Afforable housing lack of resources transportation Low paying jobs High Rent costs Not enough good jobs Taxes water issues expensive living taxed poorly maintained high prices roads
No public taxes are too high no low income transportation housing (true low income) Traffic Expense Traffic Cost cost of living taxes very high transportation Roads poorly Lack of concern by would rather hold a maintained by Ulster government festival instead of government; allocating that sidewalks money for better needs Semi-isolated Run Down quite large county appearance (square footage)
Expensive, Living Wage issues Some School especially property & District over school taxes expansion of UPK when need is paritailly met through Head Start Choice of retail Not enough family stores and oriented resaurants is limited. entertainment. lack of industry lack of places for high cost of living children to socialize EXPENSIVE/COST TAXES OVER POPULATED OF LIVING
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Low Income, Poverty Rental Costs too Lack of good paying Stricken Area since expensive with no Jobs - No Big 1970 after Urban Rent Control Business in the Renewal Area not enough living not enough 2-3 no more small wages jobs bedroom apts. shops housing mental health job pay services Employment Allergies The lack of The need for more opportunities things to do
Lack of high paying High Taxes Too many liberal jobs policies
Taxes Hospital care Winter Lots of towns are Lots of Very little run-down/not built poverty/high needs community up of the community building/sense of pride in some places Exspensive rentals low paying jobs lack of available jobs Many Services Hard Transportation Not Many Jobs to Get gangs not enough drugs affordable rentals winter weather too many gangs some negative and drugs politicians lack of jobs lack of affordable no real housing opportunities bad winter weather high rents too many drugs long winter high rents high-priced gas bad winters too many drugs high rents going on drugs rents are high bad winter's (long, high heating costs)
What are the top most pressing needs of the low-income population in Ulster County? Check only 3: Answer Choices Responses Adult Education/Literacy 4.35% 2 Child Care 19.57% 9 Dental Care 6.52% 3 Domestic Violence Assistance 0.00% 0 Family Counseling 10.87% 5 Financial Assistance 26.09% 12
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Food Assistance 30.43% 14 Health Care 23.91% 11 Heating/Utility Assistance 32.61% 15 Job Skills/Employment Training 15.22% 7 Mental Health Services 21.74% 10 Parenting Education 0.00% 0 Safe, Affordable Housing 52.17% 24 Safety/Crime Prevention 2.17% 1 Senior Services 13.04% 6 Substance Abuse Assistance 10.87% 5 Summer Recreation Programs 0.00% 0 Transportation 17.39% 8 Veteran Services 4.35% 2 Youth Programs 4.35% 2 Other (please specify): 4.35% 2 Answered 46 Skipped 1
In the previous question, you specified three pressing needs of the low-income populations in Ulster County. Please rank these most pressing needs from highest to lowest, with #1 being the highest need and list them below.
Answer Responses Choices 1. 100.00% 46 2. 100.00% 46 3. 100.00% 46 Answered 46 Skipped 1
1. 2. 3. Food Assistance Heating Safe and Affordable housing Transportation Financial Assistance Safe, Affordable Housing Financial assistance Job skills/ employment Child care. training Food Assistance Healthcare Heating/Utilities Assistance Financial Assistance Mental Health Services Heating/Utilities Assistance childcare heating assistance family counseling jobs housing additional financial assistance Transportation job skills/ employment mental health Substance Abuse Health Care Food Housing Food Assistance Transportation Transportation Housing Youth Activities Good paying jobs Cost of food Rent Costs
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Heating/Utility Assistance Job Skills/Employment Healthcare Training Heating/Utility Assistance Senior Services Healthcare Housing Senior Services Financial Assistance Veteran Services Senior Services Healthcare Housing Senior Services Food Housing Dental Transportation Dental Care Housing Transportation Childcare Senior Services Dental Care Housing Transportation Childcare Job Skills Food Assistance Healthcare Food Assistance Healthcare Safe and Affordable housing Housing Heating Food Financial Assistance Safe Affordable Housing Heating/Utility Assistance Food Assistance Heating/Utility Health Care Assistance safe/affordable housing family counseling mental health services CHILD CARE FOOD ASSISTANCE HEATING/UTILITY ASSISTANCE Financial Assistance Job Skills/Employment Family Counseling Training housing heating/utility mental health mental health services affordable childcare financial assistance Health care Literacy Mental health Safety/crime prevention Child care Health care Affordable Housing Food assistance Veterans Services Mental health needs Homelessness Family Mental health services Substance abuse Child care assistance Safe, affordable housing Heating/Utility Food Assistance Assistance Transportation Child Care Jobs Health Care Mental Health Services Safe, Affordable Housing Safe, Affordable Housing Financial Assistance Heating/Utility Assistance Financial Assistance Heating/Utility Safe, Affordable Housing Assistance Food Assistance Safe affordable housing Youth Programs Safe, Affordable Housing Financial Assistance Substance Abuse Assistance Senior Services Financial Assistance Safe, Affordable Housing Family counseling Safe affordable housing Substance Abuse Assistance Adult Education/Literacy Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Assistance
Which of the following services do not meet the demand in Ulster County? Check only 3: Answer Choices Responses
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Adult Education/Literacy 8.89% 4 Child Care 15.56% 7 Dental Care 13.33% 6 Domestic Violence Assistance 2.22% 1 Family Counseling 4.44% 2 Financial Assistance 11.11% 5 Food Assistance 8.89% 4 Health Care 6.67% 3 Heating/Utility Assistance 8.89% 4 Job Skills/Employment Training 13.33% 6 Mental Health Services 22.22% 10 Parenting Education 8.89% 4 Safe, Affordable Housing 40.00% 18 Safety/Crime Prevention 17.78% 8 Senior Services 13.33% 6 Substance Abuse Services 24.44% 11 Summer Recreation Programs 13.33% 6 Transportation 31.11% 14 Veteran Services 17.78% 8 Youth Programs 8.89% 4 Other (please specify): 4.44% 2 Answered 45 Skipped 2
In the previous question, you specified three services that do not meet the demand in Ulster County. Please rank these services that do not meet the demand with #1 representing the most prominent gap, by listing them below:
Answer Responses Choices 1. 100.00% 43 2. 100.00% 43 3. 97.67% 42 Answered 43 Skipped 4 1. 2. 3. Mental Health Parent Education Substance Abuse Services Transportation Mental Health Adult Education Substance abuse services Job skills training Transportation Heating/Utilities Assistance Summer Recreation Programs Back Pack Program Veterans Services Summer Recreation Programs Safety/Crime Prevention child care summer programs family counseling summer recreation for the job skills/training parenting classes poor
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Substance Abuse Saftey Jobs Mental Health Transportation Dental Transportation Housing Youth programs Affordable Housing Food Transportation Safe/affordable housing Heating/Utility Assistance Veterans Senior Services Health Safe/Affordable housing Safe/affordable housing Dental Care Transportation Senior Services Food Assistance Mental Health Services Safe/affordable housing Senior Services Food Assistance Dental Care Housing Transportation Transportation Housing Dental Dental Care Senior Services Veterans Safe/affordable housing Transportation Childcare Housing Health Veterans Safe/affordable housing Financial Assistance Healthcare Transportation Crime Safety Financial Assistance Transportation Availability of Affordable, Safe, affordable housing Quality Child Care Job Skills/Employment Safe, Affordable Housing Child Care Training veteran services safety/crime prevention parenting education VETERAN SERVICES SENIOR SERVICES VIOLENCE IN GENERAL Veteran Service Dental Care Adult Education financial assistance domestic violence assistance summer recreation programs Mental health Literacy Transportation Safe/ affordable housing Child care Safety / crime prevention Substance Abuse programs Transportation Youth Summer recreation Food assistance Youth programs Substance Abuse Safe, Affordabkle Housing Financial Assistance Transportation Child Care Jobs Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Assistance Safety, Crime Prevention Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Assistance Safety, Crime Prevention Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Assistance Child Care Financial Assistance Youth Programs Safe, Affordable Housing Substance Abuse Assistance Mental Health Services Safe, Affordable Housing Heating/Utility Assistance Safety, Crime Prevention Family Counseling Safe Affordable Housing Job Skills/Employment Training Adult Education/Literacy Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Services
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What are the most challenging community issues that low- income households in Ulster County will face in the next three years? Check only 3: Answer Choices Responses Adult Education/Literacy 6.52% 3 Child Care 19.57% 9 Dental Care 8.70% 4 Domestic Violence Assistance 0.00% 0 Family Counseling 2.17% 1 Financial Assistance 28.26% 13 Food Assistance 21.74% 10 Health Care 26.09% 12 Heating/Utility Assistance 4.35% 2 Job Skills/Employment Training 17.39% 8 Mental Health Services 15.22% 7 Parenting Education 4.35% 2 Safe, Affordable Housing 60.87% 28 Safety/Crime Prevention 10.87% 5 Senior Services 13.04% 6 Substance Abuse Services 10.87% 5 Summer Recreation Programs 0.00% 0 Transportation 32.61% 15 Veteran Services 0.00% 0 Youth Programs 6.52% 3 Other (please specify): 4.35% 2 Answered 46 Skipped 1
In the previous question, you specified three challenging community issues that low-income households in Ulster County will face in the next three years. Please rank these most challenging community issues, with #1 representing the most challenging issue, by listing them below:
Answer Responses Choices 1. 100.00% 44 2. 100.00% 44 3. 97.73% 43 Answered 44 Skipped 3 1. 2. 3. Financial Assistance Safe/Affordable Food Assistance Housing
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Healthcare Transportation Senior Services for the growing aging population Job skills Substance abuse Safe affordable housing Healthcare Financial Assistance Food Assistance Financial Assistance Health Senior Services mental health safe affordable prent ed housing computer skills for job affordable safe seeking housing transportation housing food assistance Child Care Food Health care Housing Transportation Food Transportation Housing Youth programs Housing Food Transportation Food Assistance Heating/Utility Safe/Affordable Housing Assistance Senior Services Health Food Housing Dental Care Transportation Housing Adult Job Skills Education/Literacy Housing Senior Services Transportation Housing Transportation Dental Care Housing Dental Care Transportation Senior Services Childcare Food Assistance Housing Transportation Childcare Housing Health Food Financial Assistance Safe/Affordable Healthcare Housing Substance Abuse Mental Health Transportation Increase in minimum wage Job Availability of may make low income Skills/Employment Affordable,Quality child families less eligible for Training care services while not significantly improving wages needed for self- sufficiency Transportation Transportation Safe, Affordable Housing parenting education safety/crime safe and affordable prevention housing HEALTH CARE FOOD ASSISTANCE DENTAL ASSISTANCE Financial Service Family COunseling Job Skills housing jobs financial aid Health care Safe affordable Mental health housing
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Child care Health care safe and affordable housing Senior Services Transportation Youth Mental health services Safe, affordable Child care housing Health Care Substance Abuse Financial Assistance Financial Assistance Transportation Jobs Health Care Heating/Utility Safety, Crime Prevention Assistance Financial Assistance Safe Affordable Child Care Housing Safe, Affordable Housing Child Care Mental Health Services Adult Education/Literacy Financial Assistance Youth Programs Safe, Affordable Housing Financial Assistance Safety, Crime Prevention Financial Assistance Substance Abuse Child Care Assistance Financial Assistance Safe Affordable Safety, Crime Prevention Housing Adult Education/Literacy Mental Health Substance Abuse Services Services
Do you feel that UCCAC's mission statement " Serving those in need, Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc., is dedicated to assisting the disadvantaged in the community, including the poor, the elderly, families, children and people with disabilities in order to enable them to live in dignity. Our services are deigned to increase self-sufficiency and to empower those we service to meet human needs adequately.", accurately represents the work of the organization? Answer Choices Responses The mission statement accurately represents the organization's 84.44% 38 work The mission statement somewhat represents the organization's 15.56% 7 work The mission statement does not represent the organization's work 0.00% 0 Answered 45 Skipped 2
If UCCAC had unlimited resources (e.g. money; staff time; etc.) what direction, focus, goal or program should the Agency address?
Answered 39 Skipped 8 Responses families Help those in need
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UCCAC should extend the HEAP program through March Getting more funds to help people with evictions affordable housing or funding for home improvements Transportation Job Training Help support the ever increasing minimum wage in NYS; grants to not support Doing workshop that address issues Better paying jobs Help people with money problems knowledgeable staff to complete paperwork Affordable Housing Money adding staff to improve time management when out of the office All Child Hunger/Housing for All/Better rule outside in community Transportation assistance; improved housing for low-income Increase wages in order to remain competetive and increase staff retention and recruitment Life skills, Job skills/employment, Transportation, Housing, After school programs, Summer camps programs designed to help children/teens and young adults to do basic everyday things, such as balance a checkbook, and take care of themselves mentally, physically, emotionally and financially
HAVE THEIR OWN TREATMENT/BENEFIT FACILITIES Creating Jobs in the Community under the direction of Ulster County Community Action acquiring 1st time home/mobil buying affordable housing, more diverse childcare options, mental health services Literacy Money Food and housing services Child Increasing mental health services for families and children Housing accessing all families in need regardless of documentation more help with rent, more paid staff, better training for volunteers Better training for volunteers, more help with rent more programs for schooling or tech classes for young as well as older people More help for rent and utility assistance larger facility (bigger space- Ellenville) More paid staff (to address multi-county staffing) More money for rent and utility assistance
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What growth opportunities do you feel UCCAC could address in the future? Select all that apply. Answer Choices Responses Advocacy 34.88% 15 Board Development 18.60% 8 Board Training 18.60% 8 Financial Management 27.91% 12 Fundraising 67.44% 29 Leadership Training 20.93% 9 Marketing/PR 37.21% 16 Program Development 37.21% 16 Staff Development 34.88% 15 Staff Retention 32.56% 14 Communication 37.21% 16 Use of Technology 16.28% 7 Other (please specify): 4.65% 2 Answered 43 Skipped 4
In reference to the previous question, what specifically do you wish UCCAC would consider in the coming year? For example, Use of Technology - your response below could be upgrade to a more modern platform and connect all the sites on one system.
Answered 31 Skipped 16 Responses Fundraising to ensure financial stability of programmatic work Enhanced web site, hire a full time public relations / fund raiser person. In terms of the 'use of technology' UCCAC should upgrade the computer application software and be more recent. Again communication. Every day I see a breakdown of verbal communication. Long meetings loose focus of the issues. Written communication helps but must be distributed to all involved, not just administration to work together as a unit Fundraising Fundraising The agency needs to make itself better known to the community, PR etc. Increase salaries Fundraising to get more money for programs. Develop programs to address issues in our community Upgrade and connect all sites on system.
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Communication Communication Connect all sites to one system Connect all sites to our system Staff developement More events to help fund more activities. Example - fundraisers for playgrounds or fix up so kids can play safe. Fund Raising - the Board should take a more active role in securing funds for UCCAC's future needs. Develop and invest unrestricted financial resources, and ultimately live off interest such as an endowment campaign. UCCAC needs to consider programs that are designed to help families break the cycle of poverty in their family. To help make families and individuals be able to make a contribution to society and not be dependent on programs. Education on many levels is key. I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS FOR UCCAC TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME OF THEIR OWN SERVICES INSTEAD OF REFERRALS (IE: HEAP, ETC) Focus on Ulster County Only ! Continue the progress in Ulster County, keep our current Business Name and Focus on creating jobs in Ulster County ! Be great at what we do here 1st before trying to serve Sullivan county with just one Program which is CSBG - Outreach, Community Services Block Grant and not providing all of programs that we offer such as Weatherization, Empower and Head start. to always remember what our main purpose is, at all times. Fundraising to help fund programs such as head start and community outreach Fundraising would benefit UCCAC greatly Make UCCAC more well-known/increase quality marketing. Before starting here, I had never heard of UCCAC, even though I have lived in Ulster county all my life and could have absolutely utilized services at certain points. Fundraising so that the Agency could assist more families without a restriction based on a certain income limit Finding the funds to help all families in need regardless of if they have the correct documentation needed. Budget Balancing program, assistance in how to interact with social services (other providers) workers, i.e. clarity, patience, etc., training clients in use of internet as a resource I like volunteering for UCCAC because it helps people who need it.
Are there any other thoughts or comments you would like to add? Please indicate below: Answered 17 Skipped 30
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Responses I am very impressed with the work UCCA does in the UC Community. from food distribution to weatherization, always willing to help those in need. I believe this agency is very needed in the community but needs to get the word out about its programs and abilities to help UCCAC should have Mass Distribution of Food in Jan and Feb in addition to Farm Stand.
Our Executive Director is doing a tremendous job The agency has good programs but it needs to there needs to be better exposure to the community.
No Having time to seek out local business's for assistance & contribution to UCCAC. Great people/great organization. I am a disabled person. People are always kinds and willing to help. Never met a person there who wasn't willing to help.
On the questions#6 - want to add police department stinks in the City of Kingston and government refusing to do handicap parking stings like other counties. We need to help break the "poverty cycle" Teach life and job skills to families. Give them a sense of pride and independence. THE SERVICES PROVIDED ALREADY OF COURSE ARE WONDERFUL, BUT AN EXPANSION OF THE ORGANIZATION WOULD BE TREMENDOUS TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN SERVICES. we must continue to work hard in order to stay ahead, however, our clients are real, with real situations, it could be us.
Promotion and public awareness I like working with UCCAC volunteers, staff and clients! Volunteering for UCCAC makes me feel good because UCCAC is helping people.
I enjoy volunteering for UCCAC. UCCAC does a great job helping people! I enjoy volunteering for UCCAC because we help a lot of people!
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REFERENCES
i Ulster County Government website visited November 2018 https://ulstercountyny.gov/ulsterforbusiness/key-ulster-facts ii Cornell Program on Applied Demographics, 2018 projections https://pad.human.cornell.edu/counties/projections.cfm iii U.S. Census Bureau website visited 2019 https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/about/faqs.html iv U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 v U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2013-2017 vi Data USA website visited January 2019 https://datausa.io/profile/geo/ulster-county-ny/#category_age vii Siegel, P., Martin, E., Bruno, R. (2001). Language Use and Linguistic Isolation: Historical Data and Methodological Issues. U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/language/data/census/li-final.pdf viii US Census Bureau ACS 2012-2016 compiled by Community Commons and retrieved October 2018 ix U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2013-2017 x Ulster County Government Website visited November 2018 https://www.ny.gov/counties/ulster xi Ulster County Economic Development Alliance (2015). An Industry Targeting Analysis. https://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/economic- development/Fairweather%20Industry%20Targeting%20Report112015.pdf xii NY State Office of the State Comptroller compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xiii NY Empire State Development compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xiv U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xv U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xvi United Way Alice Thresholds website visited January 2019 https://www.unitedwayalice.org/new-york xvii Council on Children and Families, Kids’ Wellbeing Indicators Clearinghouse (KWIC), www.nyskwic.org xviii Hillygus, D. S., Nie, N. H., Prewitt, K., & Pals, H. (2006). The hard count: The political and social challenges of census mobilization. New York: Russell Sage Foundation. xix U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xx 2018 Kids Count Data Book State Trends in Health Pages 36-37 xxi New York State Kids' Well-being Indicator Clearinghouse compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles xxii New York State Office of Children and Family Services and MHV profiles xxiii New York State Office of Children and Family Services Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Development Bureau of Research, Evaluation and Performance Analytics xxiv New York State Department of Health compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles and County Health Rankings and Roadmaps http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxv New York State Department of Health compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxvi New York State Department of Health compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxvii The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2009, July). Preventing low birthweight (KIDS COUNT indicator brief). Baltimore, MD:
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Retrieved from www.aecf.org/resources/kids-countindicator-brief-preventing-low-birthweight xxviii New York State Department of Health compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxix The Student Weight Status Category Reporting System (SWSCR) compiled by New York State Health Data https://health.data.ny.gov/Health/Student-Weight-Status-Category-Reporting-Results-B/es3k-2aus/data xxx NYS 2016-18 Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan page 23 xxxi New York State Department of Health Data website visited January 2019 https://webbi1.health.ny.gov/SASStoredProcess/guest?_program=/EBI/PHIG/apps/asthma_dashboard/ad_dashboard&p =ctr&ind_id=ad1&cos=51 xxxii Brooks, Paul. 2016. The Times Herald. https://www.recordonline.com/article/20160510/NEWS/160519919 xxxiii Family of Woodstock 2018 Programmatic Overview xxxiv New York State Office of Children and Family Services, U.S. Census compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxxv Family of Woodstock Child Care Connections xxxvi New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxxvii Interview with Rita Wood, Director of Ulster County Early Intervention and Preschool Programs, May 24, 2016, August 17, 2018 xxxviii New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xxxix New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xl New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xli New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xlii New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xliii New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xliv U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xlv NY State Department of Health https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/vital_statistics/2015/table29.htm xlvi U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xlvii New York State Department of Education compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county xlviii U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2013-2017 xlix U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Data USA https://datausa.io/profile/geo/ulster-county-ny/ l Bureau of economic Analysis compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county li U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lii U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ liii U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Data USA https://datausa.io/profile/geo/ulster-county-ny/ livUS Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, USDA - Food Access Research Atlas, 2015 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network 2019 CNA Page | 117 https://engagementnetwork.org/
lv US Census Bureau, Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, 2015 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lvi Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2015 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lvii Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Accessed via the Health Indicators Warehouse. US Department of Health & Human Services, Health Indicators Warehouse, 2006-12 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lviii New York State Department of Health, 2015 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county lix County Health Rankings and Roadmaps 2019 reports. http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/new-york/2019/rankings/ulster/county/factors/overall/snapshot lx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Vital Statistics System. Accessed via CDC WONDER. 2012-16 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lxi US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2012-16 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lxii US Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Area Health Resource File, 2015 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lxiii U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county lxiv 2002-2019, David Layfield and ApartmentSmart.com, Inc found on http://www.city-data.com/county/Ulster_County-NY.html lxv 2002-2019, David Layfield and ApartmentSmart.com, Inc found on http://www.city-data.com/county/Ulster_County-NY.html lxvi US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2012-16 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lxvii US Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2013-2017 lxviii U.S. Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2012-2016 compiled by Mid Hudson Valley Profiles http://www.mhvcommunityprofiles.org/ulster-county lxix Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2015 compiled by Community Action Partnership and CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/ lxx US Census Bureau, ACS Estimates 2013-2017 lxxi National Coalition for Homeless Veterans http://nchv.org/index.php/news/media/background_and_statistics/ lxxii CARES Engagement Network https://engagementnetwork.org/map-room/
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