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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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DVS Commissioner James Hendon
on the Riot at the US Capitol
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“What we saw last Wednesday at the United States Capitol when a mob of Trump supporters desecrated the sanctity of the People’s House was a perversion of the oath that every Veteran takes when they swear to serve, protect, and defend the Constitution. Lawless thugs - whipped into a frenzy - tried to upend our democratic process and overturn the results of a free and fair election. They did so at the bidding of a President who has stoked the flames of hatred and division at every opportunity over these past four years. This repulsive behavior is antithetical to America’s values and it directly contradicts our nation’s highest aspirations. We must now reach beyond the deep divisions that have split our country and begin the hard work of healing our democracy. We must ensure that nothing like this happens again. Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to live up to the ideals of freedom that Veterans throughout America’s history have fought, sacrificed, and died for.”
- DVS Commissioner James Hendon
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Who is Eligible & How to Schedule an Appointment
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The following groups are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine today:
- People ages 65 and older
- First responders
- Teachers and education workers
- Public safety workers
- Public transit workers
- Workers in ambulatory care settings not affiliated with a hospital, including primary care, behavioral health, phlebotomy, physical and occupational therapy, specialty clinics, and dialysis centers (includes all workers with direct contact with patients in ambulatory settings, including licensed health care workers, receptionists, and environmental staff)
- Healthcare workers at COVID-testing sites
- Public health workers with direct patient care responsibilities
- Home care workers and aides, hospice workers, personal care aides, and consumer-directed personal care workers
- Funeral workers with direct contact with infectious materials and bodily fluids
If you’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can schedule a FREE appointment by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692) from 8 am to 9 pm. New Yorkers can also visit the NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required!
NYC Employees
NYC employees can schedule a COVID-19 appointment here. The City has established five vaccination sites specifically for eligible City employees:
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Bronx
X410 Taft High School Campus
240 E 172nd St, The Bronx, NY 10457
Mon-Sat, 10 am - 10 pm
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Brooklyn
George Wingate High School
600 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Mon-Sat, 10 am - 10 pm
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Manhattan
Louis D. Brandeis High School
145 W 84th St, New York, NY 10024
Mon-Sat, 10 am - 10 pm
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Queens
John Adams High School
101-01 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY 11417
Mon-Sun, 12 pm - 8 pm
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Staten Island
Susan E. Wagner High School
1200 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314
Mon-Sun, 12 pm - 8 pm
NYC employees must bring proof of eligibility to the vaccination site. This could include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub.
VA Hospitals
- The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to veteran outpatients 75 years and older. Please contact 1-877-877-9267 to make an appointment. Learn more here.
- The James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx began COVID-19 vaccinations on January 11th. The VA care teams at this site will reach out to eligible veterans to schedule vaccinations. There is no need to preregister or come to a facility to sign up. For more information click here.
- For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations at the VA click here.
Here's what you can expect at your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
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Join Your Local Community Board
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Represent Veterans in Your Neighborhood
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Veterans, active duty service members, military spouses, and Gold Star families must be represented at every level of government. That's why DVS is encouraging members of NYC's veteran community to join their local community board!
Community board members reflect the point of view of their neighbors and advise government officials on how to best serve their local community. Community board members have the following responsibilities:
- inform elected officials and government agencies on the critical issues of their community
- ensure that NYC neighborhoods receive the services they need
- advise the City about the community's budgetary needs
- recommend initiatives to support an area's growth
- lead a public discussion on issues that can alter their community
Every community board in NYC should include a member of the veteran community to reflect the needs of their peers. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Apply to join your local community board today. See below for more information:
Learn more about the community boards here.
Find your community board here.
How to apply:
Manhattan
Apply through the Manhattan Borough President here.
Apply by contacting your Council Member.
Deadline to apply: Mon, Feb 1st
Bronx
Apply through the Bronx Borough President here.
Apply by contacting your Council Member.
Deadline to apply: Fri, Feb 5th
Brooklyn
Apply through the Brooklyn Borough President here.
Apply by contacting your Council Member.
Deadline to apply: Fri, Feb 12th
Staten Island
Apply through the Staten Island Borough President here.
Apply by contacting your Council Member.
No deadline
Queens:
Apply through the Queens Borough President here.
Apply by contacting your Council Member.
Deadline to apply: Fri, Feb 19th
Veterans who do not wish to apply as a community board member can serve as a public member. Public members are not voting members of the community board, however, they may serve on community board subcommittees.
Read more about community board membership here.
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Competition for Black Veteran Entrepreneurs
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Apply to Join the National Wheelchair Games
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The VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) are hosting the 40th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in NYC from August 8th to the 13th, 2021!
Applications from eligible veterans interested in competing are open now through Friday, April 2nd. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports event solely for veterans. The Wheelchair Games is open to all veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition. Learn more and apply here.
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Paycheck Protection Program
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Relief for Veteran-Owned Businesses
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Attention Veteran-Owned Businesses:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting applications for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides a forgivable business loan to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. The second round of PPP is open to both businesses that received loans in the first round and those who did not. Learn more here.
Have questions about accessing federal relief? NYC Small Businesses Services can help! Visit nyc.gov/ppp to find information about daily webinars, 1-on-1 assistance, connections to PPP lenders, and more.
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Veteran-Focused Online Events
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Veterans Benefit Briefings
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The New York State Division of Veteran Services will host several online Veteran Benefits Briefings to review available federal and state benefits for veterans and discuss new presumptive conditions for Vietnam veterans.
Veteran Benefits Briefings will be held on:
Fri, Jan 15th | 12 pm
To register contact Rowe Wheeler at 315-382-3983 or Rowe.Wheeler@veterans.ny.gov
Thurs, Jan 21st | 6 pm
To register contact Corey O'Neil at 315-382-1067 or Corey.Oneil@veterans.ny.gov
Wed, Jan 27th | 4 pm
To register contact Kevin Justian at 315-664-4023 or Kevin.Justian@veterans.ny.gov
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Microsoft Employment Support Seminars
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Microsoft will host the following employment seminars for veterans and military spouses:
LinkedIn Build Your Brand Seminar
Tues, Jan. 19th | 12 pm - 1 pm
Register here
Join here
Resume Assistant in Microsoft Word
Wed, Jan. 20 | 12 pm - 1 pm
Register here
Join here
Interview Skills
Thurs, Jan. 21 | 12 pm - 1 pm
Register here
Join here
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DVS Online Seminar for Veteran-Owned Businesses:
Learn to Sell to NYC
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DVS and the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will host an online seminar for veteran-owned businesses and veteran entrepreneurs interested in obtaining one of the following certifications:
Certified veteran-owned businesses have greater access to contracting opportunities with NYC government agencies through classes, networking events, and targeted solicitations. This online seminar will provide an overview of the certification process, review contract opportunities available to certified businesses, and connect participants with certified businesses who have already successfully contracted with the City.
When: Friday, January 22nd | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Register here
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DVS Online Seminar:
VA Home Loan Explained
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Attention NYC real estate professionals:
DVS and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting an online seminar to help you support veterans and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. The event will present an overview of the VA home loan guaranty.
When: Wednesday, January 27th | 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Register here
Open to NYC real estate professionals only.
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This New Year, make a resolution to get tested for COVID-19! Tests are FREE and safe. Find a location near you by visiting nyc.gov/covidtest or calling 212-COVID19.
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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Making supportive calls. Distributing face masks. Preparing meal kits. Housing the homeless. Processing VA benefit claims. Watch this video to learn how DVS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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DVS partnered with GetFoodNYC to help deliver food to homebound veterans. We're also working to distribute HelloFresh meals to veteran families. Request food or learn how to volunteer to prepare meal kits by contacting connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Housing Veterans During the Pandemic
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DVS continues to house homeless veterans during the pandemic. The agency was able to house 183 formerly homeless veterans in 2020, an increase of approximately 18% compared to the previous year. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.
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Making Calls to Veterans Across NYC
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As part of Mission: VetCheck, volunteers call NYC veterans to provide information about essential services, including free meals, COVID-19 testing, and mental health resources.
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Many veterans living in NYC are eligible for, but do not receive, their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. That's why DVS is representing veterans and their families in claims for benefits. To schedule an online appointment with a member of our VA Claims Team, contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.
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Veteran Voices Project: Oral History Initiative
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DVS has captured the oral history of NYC veterans representing every branch and service era. From World War 2 to COVID-19, hear stories of service across generations on our Veteran Voices Project library.
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SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast
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Listen to SITREP NYC, NYC's official veteran-focused podcast, to hear stories from veterans who are often ignored and underserved. Hear the complete season here or see below for a list of episodes:
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Stories of Transition
The Black Veteran Experience
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LGBT Veteran Stories
The Health of Women Veterans
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DVS updated its website to help EVERY veteran find the services that are right for them. Whether you're a student, transitioning, woman, LGBT, or a senior veteran - nyc.gov/vets has what you need.
Review the webpages on our site:
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Support a Veteran:
Media:
Contact Us:
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Referral Services: vetconnectnyc.org or 1-833-VETS-NYC
VA Claims & Food Donations
- Latisha Russaw
(917) 605-0325 | lrussaw@veterans.nyc.gov
Food Delivery Assistance:
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
Housing:
- 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
Healthcare:
- Melissa Walters
(646) 889-4180 | Mewalters@veterans.nyc.gov
Military Families and Caregivers:
- Tanya Thomas
(646) 499-0098 | tthomas@veterans.nyc.gov
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