Laura Nordstrom of Kingston, who has served as served as county director of Research and Operational Programs and as the lead member of the county executive’s staff for helping constituents navigate emergency housing and related support, has been appointed by County Executive Jen Metzger to the new position of director of Housing and Homelessness.

According to the county executive’s office, the position, which reports directly to Social Services Commissioner Mike Iapoce, will support housing and homelessness initiatives across Ulster, and coordinate county resources to help housing-insecure individuals and families.

She brings extensive experience in constituent services to the new position and a strong commitment to improving housing services and addressing homelessness, the county exec’s office stated. In her new role, she will oversee the new Family-Centered Services program and will lead 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 county 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, Metzger’s administration stated, to provide more hands-on, direct support to families receiving temporary assistance from social services. The state money will be used to support four new positions dedicated to assisting families experiencing homelessness or other economic hardship — two RUPCO positions which will be integrated within the DSS team and two Family of Woodstock positions which 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,” Metzger stated. “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,” Nordstrom stated. “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 [that] housing stability is foundational to the well-being of our community.”

“Having Laura Nordstrom fill the newly created director of Housing and Homelessness position at DSS is a perfect fit,” Iapoce stated. “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 on board.”