|
NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
|
|
DVS Projects & Initiatives
|
|
Over the past month, DVS has launched several initiatives to support New York City veterans during this unprecedented time. Here is everything you need to know about our new programs - including how you can get involved:
|
|
|
No one gets left behind.
As part of the Mission: VetCheck initiative, veterans will make supportive check-in calls to peers in their community. The calls will provide vital information including where to get free meals, COVID-19 testing locations, and how to access online mental health support.
Request a check-in call for you or a veteran you know OR volunteer to make calls to fellow veterans here. VSOs looking to check-in on members should email VetCheck@veterans.nyc.gov.
|
|
Delivering Food to Veterans in Need
|
|
|
DVS staff members have trained with GetFoodNYC and are now able to send food directly to homebound veterans. If you’re a veteran who needs food assistance contact us at (212) 416-5250 or connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
Read more about our efforts to get food to veterans here.
|
|
Housing Veterans During the Pandemic
|
|
|
Even as our Housing team works remotely they continue to find apartments, offer virtual tours, and do everything they can to rapidly house veterans in need. We're also collaborating with our partners to make sure that emergency shelters are as safe as possible.
If you need housing assistance or if you believe you will be evicted from your residence once the NYS eviction moratorium ends on August 20th, please contact us at 212-416-5250 or connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
Read more about our housing efforts here.
|
|
Veterans Voices Project:
Capturing the Oral History of NYC Veterans
|
|
|
"The year that I went over to Vietnam, both Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luter King were assassinated." - Veteran Gerry Byrne, recorded as part of the Veteran Voices Project
|
|
|
The Veteran Voices Project is a special initiative launched to preserve the stories of NYC's veterans. Learn how you can share your story here.
We're also looking for volunteers to contact veterans and help us record as many stories as possible. Learn how you can volunteer here.
|
|
|
|
Have you fille out the 2020 Census yet?
|
|
|
NYC is the epicenter of this crisis. Make sure our city gets the funding we need from Washington to fight this virus. You can fill out the 2020 Census:
- online at my2020census.gov
- by phone: 844-330-2020
- or by returning the mail-in form
|
|
Virtual Volunteer Projects
|
|
|
Hope for New York offers several virtual volunteer opportunities to serve children, the chronically ill, the elderly, new immigrants, people with disabilities, and the homeless. Examples of volunteer opportunities include:
- mentoring children online
- sending cards and letters to nursing home residents
- teaching ESL classes online
- facilitating virtual career-readiness events for formerly incarcerated individuals
See all of Hope for New York's virtual volunteer opportunities here.
|
|
Deliver Groceries to Vulnerable New Yorkers
|
|
|
Volunteer with Invisible Hands to deliver groceries to New Yorkers who are unable to leave their homes due to a disability or an increased vulnerability to COVID-19. Learn more here.
You can only perform deliveries if you are feeling healthy, are displaying no symptoms, have not traveled out of the country or come in contact with a sick person in the past 14 days, and have been practicing social distancing.
|
|
|
Help NYC's most vulnerable population from experiencing social isolation. Volunteer with the New York City Department for the Aging to make phone calls to older adults.
All volunteers must:
- Be age 21 or older
- Pass a background check (a Social Security number is required)
- Be patient with and kind to older adults
- Maintain the confidentiality of people served
To learn more call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or visit the New York City Department for the Aging volunteer page.
|
|
Make Masks with the Mission Continues
|
|
|
On Friday, May 29th, the Mission Continues will host a virtual volunteer opportunity for those who want to help create non-medical grade fabric face masks safely from home. Register and learn more here.
|
|
|
COVID-19 has caused a dramatic reduction in the U.S. blood supply, putting Americans in need of blood transfusions at serious risk. Make an appointment to donate blood with the New York Blood Center here.
|
|
|
For more ways to volunteer in NYC's relief efforts visit the Help Now NYC page.
|
|
Unemployment Claims Notifications
|
|
|
The New York State Department of Labor will now send text messages and emails to New Yorkers who make unemployment claims throughout the application process. You will receive a message when:
- Your application is received
- Your claim is ready to certify
- Your benefits can be paid
|
|
|
Alternate Side Parking will remain suspended until May 17th. It will resume from Monday, May 18th through Sunday, May 24th. After May 24th, Alternate Side Parking will be suspended again until Sunday, June 7th.
|
|
COVID-19 Veteran Resources
|
|
- ESOL (English as a Second Language)
- TASC (High School Equivalency available in both English and Spanish speakers)
- College Road (College Preparation)
- Job Road and Computer Training
Interested candidates must have their DD-214. To learn more, contact: Michael A Grant at (212) 854-9621 or mag2312@columbia.edu
Online Tutoring
Student veterans can receive free online tutoring at tutor.com. Expert tutors are available 24/7 to offer support in over 100 K-12 and college-level subjects, including math, writing, reading, ELL, science, English, social sciences, history, accounting, finance, nursing, world languages, computer science, study skills, and test prep.
|
|
During the State of Emergency, New York City residents can ask debt collection agencies to stop contacting them to collect on existing debt. Learn more here.
|
|
|
Military Families and Caregivers
|
|
|
NYC Pre-K Enrollment
If your child was born in 2016, Pre-K seats are still available for this fall. Visit myschools.nyc to register your child. 77% of families received their first choice and 90% received one of their top choices.
Veteran Caregivers 5 Tips for Veteran Caregivers
The AARP and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation developed strategies to help veteran caregivers tackle some of the most critical daily issues. Read about the five practical steps caregivers can take amid the coronavirus outbreak to better protect themselves and their loved ones here.
|
|
|
24/7 Peer Support
Veterans, family members, and caregivers can seek 24/7 help from Vets4Warriors' confidential peer support network. Receive immediate, free, and long-term peer support through private chats, emails, phone, and text conversations. Learn more here.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Resource Guide
Generation NYC has launched an online NYC LGBTQ COVID guide.
This mobile-accessible website contains nearly 100 listings of LGBTQ+ affirming services still available citywide, including food programs, legal services, health resources, and more. See the LGBTQ COVID guide here.
Caregiver Support
LGBTQ caregivers can visit Sage USA's resource guide to find tips, learn how to develop a care plan, and access support networks. Learn more here.
|
|
Survivors Together: Live Q&A
|
|
|
Surviving families of servicemembers are encouraged to join the VA Office of Survivors Assistance, TAPS, American Gold Star Mothers, AAFMAA, Wounded Warrior Project, and Travis Manion Foundation for a live Q&A on RallyPoint.
Participants can ask questions to:
Ann Duff, Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance-
Randy Reeves - Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs-
Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS
Mona Gunn, National President of American Gold Star Mothers
BG Michael Meese, President of AAFMAA
LTG Michael Linnington, CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project
LTC Hugo Lentze, Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer of the Travis Manion Foundation
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 20th | 3 pm
To join and ask a question, click here.
|
|
Thank You, Essential Workers
|
|
|
Veterans hear the term "Thank you for your service" a lot. But what does it mean?
At DVS, we say it to acknowledge the sacrifice made by those willing to put the community over their self-interest. We say it to express our gratitude to those who put themselves at risk so the rest of us can stay safe.
So to the doctors, nurses, EMTs, cleaning staff, grocery store employees, delivery people, mail carriers, teachers, MTA staff, police officers, firefighters, and to every essential worker: Thank you for your service.
We encourage you to join us in saying "Thank You" to NYC's essential workers by downloading this image, sharing it over social media, or hanging it in your window.
Acknowledge their sacrifice. Express your gratitude.
|
|
|
|
|
