Kevin O'Connor, Executive Director

289 Fair Street
Kingston, NY 12401

Phone: (845) 331-2140
koconnor@rupco.org

Incorporated: 1981

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- Senior citizens used to be the part of the population most vulnerable to poverty until Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid were created. One of the tenants Rural Ulster Preservation Company, Inc. (RUPCO) serves with Section 8 housing vouchers didn't need her voucher once she started drawing Social Security. But she took the time and trouble to thank RUPCO for its help:

"I am writing this letter ...to give my 30 day notice as required. Now that I am 66 years old, my income has increased. Therefore, I will be able to afford to move, and another individual can have the same opportunity that I received during my financial crisis. I cannot thank each and everyone at RUPCO in person, so please let the staff know how rewarding and special they are.... keep up the great work!"

- Many landlords are reluctant to rent to individuals with federal Section 8 vouchers to subsidize their rent. They're afraid of red tape, think low-income people may not be good tenants and have other concerns. RUPCO helps landlords overcome these fears. In one case a landlord even wrote a Thank You note:

"You know, I talk to landlords in other states...other counties. Many of them say to stay away from Section 8 or other housing benefits. I hate to gloat, but Ulster County really IS different. You (RUPCO) make it possible for landlords to rent to anyone who qualifies to be a good tenant regardless of their income. Thanks for that."