Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has appointed Laura Nordstrom to the new position of Director of Housing and Homelessness in the Department of Social Services (DSS).
The position, which reports directly to Social Services Commissioner Mike Iapoce, will support housing and homelessness initiatives across the County, and coordinate the County's diverse resources to help housing insecure individuals and families.
Nordstrom previously served as Director of Research and Operational Programs in the County Executive’s office and has been the lead member of County Executive Metzger’s staff helping constituents navigate emergency housing and related support. She brings extensive experience in constituent services to the new position and a strong commitment to improving housing services and addressing homelessness. In her new role, she will oversee the new Family Centered Services program and will lead comprehensive efforts to help residents achieve housing stability through close coordination with other County service agencies and community-based partners. Nordstrom will also coordinate with the Planning Department to expand affordable access to permanent housing and ensure equity and inclusivity in housing opportunities.
The new Family Centered Services program is a State-funded program created to provide more hands-on, direct support to families receiving temporary assistance from social services. In Ulster County, the funding will be used to support four new positions dedicated to assisting families experiencing homelessness or other economic hardship — two RUPCO positions who will be integrated within the DSS team, and two Family of Woodstock positions who are located on site at the Kingston Motel.
“This new position will play a key role in connecting all the dots affecting housing insecurity, coordinating across government agencies and community partners to help housing-insecure individuals and families,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “Laura brings a wealth of experience to this new position and an indefatigable energy and commitment to the well-being of our residents, and I am thrilled she will be serving in this new role.”
"I am very excited to take on the role of Director of Housing and Homelessness,” said Laura Nordstrom. “I've spent my entire career working with and for the people of Ulster County, from youth programs and housing to utility issues and constituent services. I know first-hand, housing stability is foundational to the well-being of our community. We are very excited to implement the new Family Centered Services program and bring a new level of casework for clients directly into DSS, and are greatly looking forward to improving the coordination of programs and connecting people to the services provided by the many dedicated individuals in our County agencies and community-based organizations."
“Having Laura Nordstrom fill the newly created Director of Housing and Homelessness position at DSS is a perfect fit,” said Social Services Commissioner Mike Iapoce. “Laura's extensive knowledge of and experience with both emergency homeless and permanent housing programs in New York State and Ulster County will enable her to have an immediate impact on providing critical supports to our homeless population. She will also assist and facilitate DSS Staff, shelter providers and homeless outreach professionals with the delivery of services to our homeless population. Laura has been able to hit the floor running and DSS is thrilled to have her onboard.”
Laura Nordstrom, Director of Housing and Homelessness, can be reached at Lnor[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us and 845-443-8854.
Vanessa Shea will now serve as Director of Research and Operational Programs, and Naseem Haidaou, a former Climate Corps intern and current Youth Worker assisting with climate initiatives, will now serve as the Executive's Confidential Secretary.
