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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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Heatwave:
Protecting Vulnerable Veterans
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Many of our City's veterans are seniors and may be at risk during this heatwave. Please remember to check in on vulnerable neighbors!
In the event of a heat advisory, you can find a Cooling Center by visiting the Cooling Center Finder or by calling 311. Cooling Centers are observing health guidelines to keep New Yorkers safe from COVID-19. If you need to go to a Cooling Center during a heatwave please wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart from others.
Eligible New Yorkers can receive support in purchasing and installing an air conditioner or a fan through the HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit. You can apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance by reaching out to your HEAP Local District Contact.
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NYC entered Phase 4 on Monday, July 20th. Low-risk art and entertainment venues, including zoos and botanical gardens, have opened for outdoor activities only. Media production and professional sports without spectators have also resumed. However, gyms, malls, and movie theaters remain closed. Indoor dining is still not allowed.
This is an important step forward and we must do everything we can to avoid a second wave. That means:
- Wear a mask
- Get tested (find free testing sites here).
- Answer your phone if you get a call from a 212 number (it could be NYC's Test & Trace Corps calling to inform you that you've been exposed to the COVID-19).
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New York COVID Rent Relief Program
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If you lost income during the pandemic and need support paying rent, please apply to New York's COVID Rent Relief Program by July 30th. The program can pay up to four months' rent directly to your landlord. Apply here.
Priority will be given to those with the greatest risk of homelessness.
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NY State of Health Enrollment Extended
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An estimated 5.4 million Americans lost health insurance between February and May, according to a new study. If you're uninsured, it's not too late to apply for coverage through the New York State of Health Marketplace. The enrollment period has been extended through August 15. Enroll TODAY!
Learn more here.
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Service2Service Grad Pens Op-Ed
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Last week, CPO Magazine published an op-ed titled "Cybersecurity Needs its Place in Emergency Management Now", cowritten by Corye Douglas.
Corye is a veteran and graduate of Service2Service, a mentorship program that pairs veterans interested in careers in City government with professional public servants. The program is a partnership between DVS and NYC Service.
We're proud of every participant and mentor who made the first Service2Service cohort a success. Read Corye's op-ed here.
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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At the start of the crisis, DVS sent over 10,600 meals to organizations serving veterans across the City. Now we're sending food directly to veterans in need. Contact DVS to get meals delivered to your home: (212) 416 5250 or connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Housing Support & Eviction Prevention
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DVS housed nearly 900 formerly homeless veterans before the pandemic and we haven’t slowed down since. If you’re a veteran and you’re worried you may get evicted from your home, contact DVS now: 212-416-5250 | connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
Learn about the DVS Housing team here.
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Many veterans feel isolated after transitioning from the military. COVID-19 has made this problem worse. That’s why we're working with ThriveNYC to recruit veterans to volunteer for Mission: VetCheck. Each veteran volunteer will reach out to fellow veterans across NYC to offer resources, support, and connection.
The only way through this crisis is together. To join the mission, click here.
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Helping Veterans File VA Claims
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NYC and NY State are proving that government works!
DVS is collaborating with the New York State Division of Veterans' Services to help NYC veterans file VA benefits claims. For more information, contact: benefitclaims@veterans.nyc.gov.
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DVS is working with the NYC Department of Small Business Services to encourage veteran entrepreneurs to certify their businesses. Certified veteran-owned businesses have greater access to contracting opportunities with New York City agencies through classes, networking events, and targeted solicitations. Being certified will also help veteran entrepreneurs connect to programs designed to help them grow their business.
Veteran business owners can apply to two certification programs:
EBE certification helps businesses owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged New Yorkers receive preference for contracting opportunities with New York City agencies.
To learn if your business is eligible for EBE certification, click here.
To learn if your business is eligible for M/WBE certification, click here.
To request more information, email DVS at business@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families
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The SSVF program provides housing assistance to low-income veterans. SSVF services include case management, housing counseling, legal services, benefits advocacy, rental and utility assistance, child care supports, moving and storage costs, and transportation. SSVF programs are offered by Volunteers of America, HELP USA, Services for the Underserved, and the Jericho Project.
Eligibility requirements:
- The head of the household or the spouse of the head of the household is a veteran.
- The household income does not exceed 50% of the area median income (as adjusted)
- The household is currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
For more info, email SSVF@va.gov or call 877-737–0111.
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Hiring Our Heroes: Virtual Hiring Fair
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Hiring Our Heroes is hosting a Virtual Hiring Fair to connect veterans with organizations looking to fill roles in information technology and cybersecurity.
WHEN: Friday, July 24 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Register before 6 pm on Thursday, July 23rd here.
This event is open to veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers. For more information contact hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.
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For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit OurVeterans.NYC.
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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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