Census Deadline is Monday, Oct 5th

How the Census Helps NYC

NYC faced an unprecedented challenge in the fight against COVID-19. As we move forward during this crisis, we must remember that there is a critical step each of us must take to build a better future for our City - complete the 2020 Census.

The census determines how the federal government allocates billions of dollars every year to states and cities for services including public education, affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure, and healthcare. The census also determines the number of seats New York State is allocated in Congress, as well as our local and state legislative district lines.  

The deadline to fill out the census is Monday, October 5th. NYC is counting on you like never before – fill out the 2020 Census today!

It's vital that you fill out your census immediately! Federal funding and two Congressional seats are on the line
 

Filling Out the Census Helps Veterans in Need 

The Census is a Tool for Social Justice

2020 is a reminder that the fight for equality isn't over. This year was marked by protests calling for racial justice and an end to systemic racism. 2020 was also the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, which acknowledged women's right to vote.

Filling out the census is a way to continue the fight for justice and representation. When Black communities and women are undercounted they lose representation in Congress and the parties that come into power do not represent their interests.

Fill it out the census now at my2020census.gov.
 

Commissioner Hendon on
Staten Island Community Television

DVS Commissioner James Hendon appeared on Staten Island Community Television's “In Honor of” series to discuss the agency's commitment to NYC's veteran organizations. Watch the interview here to learn how DVS is providing microgrants and masks to veteran organizations hit hardest by COVID-19. 
 

Listen to Their Stories

Excerpt from the DVS Oral History Library

During the Vietnam War, Richard Lee Chan’s base was bombed so regularly it became known as “Rocket Alley”. Hear Richard describe the bombings in this excerpt from our oral history library.

If you are a veteran and would like to preserve your story, click here.
 

Feeding Veterans in Need

Food Drive for Veterans & their Families

DVS has partnered with the Independence Fund, City Harvest Food Bank, and Veterans Evidence Based Treatment Services Inc. to provide food and supplies to veterans and military families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

PICKUP TIMES AND LOCATIONS:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH 2-SPM 
VFW Post 5298, 143-17 
Springfield Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11413 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH 3-SPM 
AM L Post 483, 240-08 135th Avenue Rosedale, NY 11422 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 8TH 3-SPM 
Hollis Gardens Vet Complex 
20214 Hollis Avenue, Hollis NY 11412 

To register contact f.oneel@independencefund.org | 704-890-4062.

Get Tested for COVID-19

ANYONE can get COVID-19 so EVERYONE should get tested. Find a free testing site here.

Also remember to:
- Wear a mask in public and indoors
- Stay six feet apart
- Wash your hands

DVS Programs & Initiatives

Support for Veteran Organizations

DVS will provide financial support to NYC's Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) hit hardest by the COVID-19 lockdown. Eligible VSOs can receive a microgrant of up to $500 or a $100 Home Depot gift card. Learn more.

Mission: VetCheck

As part of MissionVetCheck, volunteers are making check-in calls to NYC veterans and informing them about available services. You can be part of this mission. Join today here.

Get Food Delivered

If you’re a veteran in need of food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, DVS is here to help. Contact DVS at (212) 416-5250 or connect@veterans.nyc.gov to have GetFoodNYC meals delivered to your home. 

Housing Support & Eviction Prevention

If you're a veteran worried about eviction, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.

Helping Veterans File VA Claims

DVS is now processing VA benefits claims. We're prepared to help you get the benefits you've earned! To learn more, contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov.  

Get Certified with NYC

Grow your veteran-owned business by becoming NYC certified! 75% of certified businesses have won contracts with City agencies. Learn if your business is eligible for NYC certification here. To learn more, contact business@veterans.nyc.gov.

SITREP NYC Podcast Season 2

Listen to the complete second season of our SITREP NYC podcast:

Coming Home: Stories of Transition 

The Black Veteran Experience:
Ep 1: Black Veterans Across Generations 
Ep 2: Post 9/11 Black Veterans 
Ep 3: Black Woman. Veteran. (In that Order) 

Stories of LGBT Veterans
Ep 1: Across Generations 
Ep 2: The Black LGBT Veteran 

The Health of Women Veterans:
Ep 1: Motherhood in the Military 
Ep 2: Show No Weakness   
Ep 3: Life After a Combat Injury  
Ep 4: PTSD, MST, & Obstacles to Healing 

• Apple Podcasts   
• Stitcher  

DVS COVID-19 Resource Page

Contact DVS

Employment Services:

• Christian T. Peralta​
  (646) 630-1932​ | cperalta1@veterans.nyc.gov​

Education Services and Unemployment Assistance​:

• Amauri Espinal​
  (646) 799-2728​ | aespinal@veterans.nyc.gov

• Dana Rock, HSS Director​
  (646) 901-4948​ | DanaRock@veterans.nyc.gov​
• Horng Chou, HSS Deputy Director​
  (646) 532-1884​ | Hchou@veterans.nyc.gov​

Eviction Prevention:​

• Angela Guyton-Cyril​
  (646) 740-8156​ | AGuyton-Cyril@veterans.nyc.gov​

• Eileen Barcene​
  (646) 499-0055​ | ebarcene@veterans.nyc.gov​

• Melissa Walters​
  (646) 889-4180​ | Mewalters@veterans.nyc.gov

• Tanya Thomas​
  (646) 499-0098​ | tthomas@veterans.nyc.gov