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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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Virtual Veteran Advisory Board Meeting:
Wednesday, Oct 21st
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NYC is holding a virtual Veterans Advisory Board Meeting TONIGHT at 6 pm! Every New Yorker is encouraged to join. Participants will have the opportunity to:
- learn how NYC is supporting veterans
- advocate for issues and share concerns
- ask questions to NYC representatives (send your questions now to connect@veterans.nyc.gov)
The Veteran Advisory Board Meeting is FREE. No registration required.
WHEN: Wed, 10/21 | 6 - 8 pm
TO JOIN: Follow this link OR call (646) 992-2010
ACCESS CODE: 173 553 1973
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Partnering to Feed Veterans
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This week, DVS Commissioner James Hendon joined the Fort Hamilton Spouses Foundation to pack meals for veteran families. This volunteer project is part of New York State's partnership with Hello Fresh to feed veterans in need.
Are you interested in volunteering to feed hungry New Yorkers? Learn about volunteer opportunities with City Harvest and the Food Bank for New York City.
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Excerpt from the DVS Oral History Library
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| "Veteran Voices Project" Excerpts, Week 5: The 1980's |
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When he arrived at basic training, Wilem Wong discovered that he was one of the only Asian Americans in his company. “Since my name was Wong if I did anything incorrect - 'Oh, what’s wrong, Wong.'"
Listen to Wilem reflect on his service during the late '80s and early '90s in this week’s excerpt from our oral history initiative, the Veterans Voices Project.
If you are a veteran and would like to preserve your story, click here.
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Early Voting in NY Begins Sat, Oct 24th
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Practice your civic duty and avoid the lines!
In-person early voting in New York begins this Saturday, October 24th, and runs through Sunday, November 1st. Find your early polling site here.
*If you plan to vote in-person, please remember to wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.
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Get Tested. Get Vaccinated.
Stay Healthy.
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Flu Vaccinations at the VA
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NYC veterans are encouraged to take advantage of in-person flu vaccinations at each of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System campuses. Vaccinations are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for eligible veterans. To check eligibility, contact your local VA medical facility or call 844-MyVA311 (844-698-2311), select option 1, and then select option 1 again.
Eligible veterans can also receive a flu vaccination at one of the following pharmacies:
- CVS Pharmacy
- Costco Pharmacy
- Kroger Pharmacy
- Wegmans Pharmacy
- SAFEWAY Pharmacy
- Walmart Pharmacy
To receive a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system.
Veterans looking to receive a flu vaccination at an urgent care location must be enrolled in the VA health care system and have received care from a VA or in-network community provider in the past 24 months.
If you visit a pharmacy or urgent care location for a flu shot, please present your VA ID card or state-issued driver's license and notify the provider you are an eligible veteran.
For more information, click here.
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Fight a Second Wave. Get Tested.
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A second wave may be on the horizon for NYC. Do what you can to prevent a rise in cases. Get your FREE COVID-19 test today! Visit nyc.gov/covidtest or text 'COVID TEST' to 855-48 to find a testing location near you.
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The Center for Women Veterans (CWV), the National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators, and the New York State Division of Veterans' Services will host a virtual seminar to discuss what’s new for women veterans at the VA. The virtual event will feature Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, CWV Executive Director, and a panel of women veteran leaders from across New York State.
WHEN: Mon, Oct. 26 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Register here
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Homeowner and Renter Benefits
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The NYC Department of Finance will offer a Homeowner and Renter Benefit Online Presentation on Wednesday, October 21, at 4 pm.
City officials will discuss property tax benefits and rent freeze programs for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and clergy members. Learn about eligibility and how to apply here.
WHEN: Wed, Oct. 21 | 4:00 pm
Register here
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Active duty service members and veterans are invited to register for a virtual college fair presented for free by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI.) The virtual event will facilitate direct, live conversations between prospective students and school admissions representatives from institutions across the country.
WHEN: Fri, Oct. 30 | 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Register here
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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Helping Veterans File VA Claims
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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.
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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.
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Mission: VetCheck
Making Check-in Calls to Veterans Across NYC
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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. Learn more here.
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Housing Support & Eviction Prevention
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If you're a veteran worried about eviction, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.
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Supporting Veteran Organizations
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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.
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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.
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SITREP NYC: The DVS Podcast
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DVS COVID-19 Resource Page
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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
Food Assistance:
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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