The unhoused have a new ally in Ulster County government.
County Executive Jen Metzger has appointed Laura Nordstrom as Director of Housing and Homelessness in the Department of Social Services. Reporting to Social Services Commissioner Mike Iapoce, Nordstrom will lead housing initiatives, oversee the state-funded Family Centered Services program, and coordinate with the planning department to expand affordable housing access.
The Family Centered Services program is a statewide initiative to hire staff to support families facing challenges such as mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, homelessness, or domestic violence. In our area, the program funds two new positions through RUPCO and Family of Woodstock, respectively.
Previously, Nordstrom served as Director of Research and Operational Programs in the County Executive’s office, focusing on emergency housing and constituent services.
Additional staffing changes include Vanessa Shea becoming Director of Research and Operational Programs, and Naseem Haidaou serving as the Executive’s Confidential Secretary.
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