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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter

Acknowledging Veterans this Independence Day

July 4th & PTSD Resources

  We understand that many veterans struggle during the July 4th holiday. Fireworks can often trigger PTSD symptoms and traumatic memories for service members with combat experience. 

With the uptick in illegal fireworks in NYC this summer and the Macy's July 4th celebration, this week may be uniquely difficult for veterans. Please contact us directly if you have any concerns this July 4th at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.

Below is a list of resources for veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

Crisis Intervention:

  • Veterans Crisis Line: Crisis intervention from qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Call 800-273-8255 (press 1), text 838255, or access CRISIS CHAT here. Available 24/7.
  • NYC Well: Trained counselors provide mental health support to all New Yorkers. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text WELL to 65173. Available 24/7.
  • New York State Office of Mental Health's Emotional Support Helpline:  Free and confidential support to those experiencing increased anxiety due to COVID-19. Call 1-844-863-9314. Available 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

1-on-1 Peer Support:

  • Mission: VetCheck: DVS and Thrive NYC's program for NYC veterans looking to receive supportive calls from fellow veterans.
  • Objective Zero: App designed to connect users to a peer support network.
  • Vets4Warriors: Long-term peer support for veterans and families through emails, phone calls, and text conversations. Call 1-855-838-8255. Available 24/7. 

Online Mental Health and Counseling Services

 

Listen to Their Stories:
LGBT Veterans Across Generations

This Independence Day, listen to the stories of veterans who truly represent freedom.

In June 2019, DVS partnered with SAGE Vets and the Generations Project for a live storytelling event featuring LGBT veterans from different service eras, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War in Afghanistan. We're proud to share this event with you today:

  • Watch the video here
  • Listen to a special episode of our SITREP NYC podcast featuring excerpts from the event here

If you would like to share and preserve your own story, please sign up to participate in our oral history initiative, the Veteran Voices Project, here.  

Need to Know

An Eviction Moratorium Ends

New York's first eviction moratorium ended on June 20th. Advocates predict that 50,000 to 60,000 eviction cases are going to be filed in NYC's housing courts in the coming months.

If you're a veteran and you're concerned you might be evicted soon, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.

New York's eviction moratorium is extended to August 20th for those who can prove financial hardship caused by COVID-19 or who qualify for unemployment.

Read more about evictions in New York City here.  

Get Tested for COVID-19

Getting tested for COVID-19 is the only way to stop the spread and avoid a second wave in NYC. Testing is free and available to all New Yorkers.

Get tested today - WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS. To schedule an appointment or find a testing site near you, visit nyc.gov/covidtest.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has, NYC's Test & Trace Corps will call to connect you to health services. Please answer the phone if you get a call from:

  • "NYC Test+Trace"

  • a 212 number

  • “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993)

All calls are confidential and private.

Black Lives Count
The census determines how power and resources are distributed across the country for the next decade.

In the past, Black New Yorkers have been undercounted in the census leaving communities of color underfunded and underrepresented. The 2020 Census is NYC's chance to get it right. Fill out the census at My2020census.gov.

This is an opportunity to build a fairer and more equal city.

DVS in the Field

Preparing Food Donations

This week, Team DVS returned to the field and worked with the Campaign Against Hunger to pack over 500 meal kits for veterans and their families. Thank you again to HelloFresh for providing the food and to the New York State Division of Veterans' Services for creating this partnership.

If you or a veteran you know is in need of food, please contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.

DVS Spotlight Resource

EmpireVets:  Jobs Site for Veterans

EmpireVets is a new job board website that includes thousands of local postings and a military skills translator to help veterans connect with professional opportunities that best serve their experience and talents.

Current opportunities posted on EmpireVets include positions in manufacturing, software engineering, banking, and corporate law. 

Visit EmpireVets.com to learn more.

COVID-19 Resources

 Work from Home Toolkit
The NYC Mayor's Office of the Chief Technology Officer has developed a toolkit to help New Yorkers make the most of working from home. The tools, advice, and processes in this toolkit have been drawn from a variety of sources with expert knowledge in working from home best practices. See the toolkit here.  
For a complete list of resources visit our COVID-19 Resource page.

Online Veteran Events

Spouseforce Orientation

Blue Star Families is hosting Spouseforce Orientation, an online professional development opportunity for military spouses. Participants will receive personalized assistance, resume evaluation, and connections to local resources to support career goals.

RSVP here
WHEN: Monday, July 6th | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Open to military spouses only.
 

Virtual Employer Event: Building Your Story and Resume

Join VetsinTech for the Virtual Employer Event: Building Your Story and Resume. 

This event will introduce participants to five veterans who have successfully transitioned into careers in tech and will feature a tutorial on storytelling and resume building.

RSVP here.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 7 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Open to veterans only.
For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit OurVeterans.NYC.
Please follow us at www.nyc.gov/vets, on social media @nycveterans, or via email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov. For the latest information regarding COVID-19's impact on NYC's Veteran community visit the DVS COVID-19 resource page.
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New York City Department of Veterans' Services 
1 Centre Street, Suite 2208
New York, NY 10007 
(212) 416-5250
www.nyc.gov/vets


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