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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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How has NYC supported veterans in 2020?
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Happy Veterans Day! It has been a historically challenging year for every New Yorker and the veteran community has not been spared.
Throughout 2020, the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services has developed new initiatives and partnerships to support the City’s veteran community. To honor our constituents on this special day, we would like to detail our efforts to respond to the pandemic and the economic fallout that followed.
If you think you or a veteran you know can benefit from our services, please contact us at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or 212- 416-5250.
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Reaching Out to Veterans Across NYC
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Many veterans struggle with isolation; COVID-19 has made this problem worse.
To bridge the isolation created by the pandemic, DVS and the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC launched Mission: VetCheck. Through this initiative, volunteers make support calls to connect with NYC veterans and provide information about essential services, including free meals, COVID-19 test site locations, and mental health resources. Since April 23rd, Mission: VetCheck volunteers have placed over 17,000 calls to veterans across the five boroughs.
Sign up to Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer to make calls, click here. Volunteers will need a phone and computer to make the calls from home. Training is delivered by DVS and ThriveNYC, and volunteer management is overseen and conducted by New York Cares.
Request a Check-in
If you’re a veteran who would like a call or you know a veteran whom you would like us to reach out to, click here to request a supportive check-in call from a trained volunteer.
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One of the largest concerns facing New Yorkers during the pandemic is food insecurity. To address this need, DVS partnered with GetFoodNYC to deliver meals to homebound veterans.
DVS is also working with the New York State Division of Veteran Services and the Campaign Against Hunger, to distribute 350 to 400 HelloFresh food kits to veteran households per week. To date, 10,000 meals have been provided directly to veterans through this partnership. DVS has also partnered with the Bronx Food Initiative to deliver meals to constituents. Through this collaboration, DVS has been able to distribute 3,100 meal boxes comprising of 12,400 meals.
To request food, click here.
To learn how to volunteer to prepare meal kits, contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov
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Approximately 6,692 veterans living in NYC are eligible for but do not receive, their VA benefits. During this time of economic crisis and high unemployment, it’s vital that veterans get the financial benefits they’ve earned. That’s why DVS is assisting veterans with filing VA claims.
Have questions about education, disability, and survivor benefits? Contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Housing Veterans During the Pandemic
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DVS has been working with homeless veterans throughout this pandemic to ensure that they are in safe, secure housing.
While DVS staff members are no longer in City shelters, they continue to house veterans virtually. Housing viewings and interviews are conducted online; videos of available units are shared with veterans, and landlords complete video interviews with potential veteran applicants. Despite the ongoing pandemic, DVS was able to house 183 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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Providing Masks to Veterans
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Throughout 2020, DVS has distributed over 35,000 face masks to homeless shelters, veteran organizations, and every VA hospital in the City. To request a face mask, contact DVS at connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Special Services for Veterans
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MTA Issues Commemorative
MetroCards to Honor Veterans
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The MTA is offering 50,000 commemorative MetroCards featuring a special Veterans Day image. The cards are available at select MetroCard vending machines across the five boroughs, including the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.
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Free Entrance to National Parks
for Veterans and Gold Star Families
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Beginning on Veterans Day, November 11th, the National Park Service is offering Gold Star Families and veterans free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks and wildlife refuges. Learn more about the free pass program here.
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9/11 Museum's Salute to Service
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Through November 14th, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum will honor veterans with a weeklong series of events and special programs (virtual and in-person). Learn more about the “Salute to Service” series here.
The next event in the series will be a Military and Veteran Appreciation Virtual Museum Tour on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. The interactive tour through the Museum’s key spaces provides a deeper understanding of 9/11 and its continued significance.
WHEN: Wed, Nov. 11th | 11 am
To RSVP email veterans@911memorial.org.
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The NYC Commission on Human Rights is hosting a panel presentation to discuss local laws that protect NYC veterans and their families.
WHEN: Fri, Nov. 13th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom link: http://bit.ly/ProtectingVeterans
Passcode: 502735
Dial-in: 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 947 4931 1697
For more information contact Est.Cyr@cchr.nyc.gov.
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Homeowner and Renter Benefits
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The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) will host a Citywide Symposium for Veterans Hearing Support (VHS) to provide NYC veterans with information on what to do when they get a summons or ticket issued for an alleged violation. The symposium will also provide veterans with valuable information on how to navigate the administrative law process and how to contest a summons or a ticket.
WHEN: Wed, Nov. 18th | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
RSVP
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Fight a Second Wave. Get Tested.
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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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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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