Warming and cooling centers, emergency shelters, and food pantries each have their own way of providing assistance in other-than-normal circumstances.
Learn more about each service below, and browse more resources in our County's service directory.
Warming and cooling centers can ensure your safety during extreme weather events and prevent exposure to dangerous conditions. These centers are designated air-conditioned spaces where the public can warm up or cool down. Other public spaces like libraries, supermarkets, and malls can also help the community cool down in the summer or warm up in the winter.
For up-to-date information on county-operated warming and cooling centers, visit the Ulster County Emergency Services webpage or check the Ulster County Facebook page for updates.
During an emergency or natural disaster, emergency shelters play a critical role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and survival of affected individuals and communities. These shelters provide a safe haven for those displaced or at risk, offering temporary refuge, basic necessities, and essential services. They offer protection from immediate threats, such as extreme weather conditions, and help mitigate the potential impact of the disaster on vulnerable populations.
For up-to-date information on county-operated disaster shelters, visit the Ulster County Emergency Services webpage or check the Ulster County Facebook page for updates.
You can also visit the Red Cross Shelter Map to discover open shelters that are operated by the Red Cross or partner agencies.
During and after an emergency, residents are encouraged to utilize food pantries. Often open year-round, these resources play a vital role in providing essential nourishment to individuals and families facing food insecurity during challenging times. Food pantries help bridge the gap when access to regular food supplies is disrupted or limited due to emergencies such as natural disasters.
Looking for a food pantry near you? This map will help you find which location is closest, and how to get there via public transportation. Visit the UlsterCorps website for an updated list of food pantries and relevant resources.
For post-emergency assistance services, visit the Hudson Valley Red Cross webpage to learn more.
For general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal, visit Ready.gov.
For up-to-date information on county-operated and organized resources, visit the Ulster County Emergency Services webpage or check the Ulster County Facebook page for updates.
After a natural disaster, several mental health resources are available to help individuals and communities cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the event.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. The helpline is free, confidential, and available to everyone. You can call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor.
- Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program: The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) is a federal program that provides short-term counseling and support to individuals and communities affected by a disaster. The program is designed to help people cope with the immediate emotional and psychological effects of the disaster and can provide referrals to longer-term mental health services if needed.
- Mental Health America: Mental Health America is a national organization that provides resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, including those related to a disaster. Their website offers a variety of resources, including fact sheets, guides, and tips for coping with disaster-related stress and trauma.
- Ulster County Department of Mental Health After a disaster, local mental health services may be available to provide counseling and support to those affected. Visit the Ulster County Department of Mental Health page to learn about available resources.
It's essential to prioritize mental health and seek support if needed after a disaster. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and there are resources available to support you.