As May draws closer, and questions remain as to how long state-mandated shutdowns will remain in place, the town of Hillsdale provided a wealth of updates and resources for its residents per its newly scheduled Special Weekly Newsletter. Despite the spread of the coronavirus pandemic bringing the area a spring season that nobody anticipated, Hillsdale Town Supervisor Peter Cipkowski and other local leaders remain proactive while ensuring residents stay up to date with the latest information as well as providing updates on relief fund efforts created to stem the tide of financial stress for local families.

Per the Special Newsletter:

Relief Opportunities for Hillsdale residents Financially Affected-

Thanks to generous donations from a number of Hillsdale residents to the Hillsdale Economic and Community Development Corporation (HECDC), the HECDC is offering gifts of $250 to Hillsdale individuals or families that are experiencing financial stress due to loss of employment because of COVID-19.

The available funds are limited, so if you would like to apply, please do so as soon as possible.
Please email hillsdaleny@gmail.com or call 518-325-5073 extension 6 to learn if you qualify.

Donations are also welcome. If you would like to support this important local fund, contributions are tax-deductible. Make your check payable to the HECDC and mail it to:
HECDC
PO Box 305
Hillsdale NY 12529
Write in the memo: COVID-19 Fund

Hotline in Place for Seniors-

Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett has announced a new hotline for the elderly and vulnerable in our county, including those with medical conditions or are disabled, and would welcome a deputy checking on their well-being on a daily basis.
“Leave a message and someone will return your call,” said Bartlett per the Hillsdale Newsletter, “A time frame, morning or afternoon, will be established for when a deputy will come to your residence. When the deputy comes by, he or she will knock on the door, then retreat to a safe distance and wait for someone to signal that all is well inside.”

The number for the hotline is 518-828-0601, extension 1400.

Funds Available in Response to COVID-19-

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) has launched new Columbia County emergency funds to rapidly deploy resources to the community as we respond to the impact of the coronavirus.

The Columbia County Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund makes emergency grants for medical, food, overdue utilities, and other critical services for people in crisis. These are flexible resources in the face of the current emergency.

The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will support nonprofit organizations working with individuals and families who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak.

The Business Continuity Fund will provide cash grants to small businesses operating in communities impacted by the economic consequences of the virus.

For information, contact Columbia Opportunities at 518 829-4611 or Catholic Charities of Columbia & Greene Counties 518 828-8660.

Free Pickup and Delivery Services for Seniors unable to Leave Home-

The volunteer group started by students Reed Lessing and Kate Segel, Doorstep Deliveries, continues to bring groceries and medication to senior, immuno-compromised, and otherwise at-risk community members facing COVID-19. Its volunteers have been busy making deliveries in Hudson, Copake, Craryville, Hillsdale, Egremont, Great Barrington, and Pittsfield.

Their mission: support local businesses that do not have the capacity to offer free deliveries. Doorstep volunteers will deliver from any local supermarket or store that offers “curbside” pickup of orders paid for by phone.

If you or someone you know can benefit from this service, visit their website or call (518) 227-0613.

Given that information is changing frequently, please check for updates on the Town website. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Hillsdale Town Superviosr Peter Cipkowski at hillsdaleny@gmail.com or 646-373-5002.

All information courtesy of the Hillsdale Town Newsletter