Message from Commissioner Hendon:
Veteran Voices Project Promotes Social Connection in Challenging Times

Dear Veteran Community,

Social isolation can be devasting, particularly for vulnerable populations who are more cut off than ever by the novel coronavirus. More than 54% percent of New York City Veterans are over the age of 65; as such, they face a greater likelihood of being alone and separated from their neighbors and friends.

To promote social connection during this crisis, the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is launching the Veteran Voices Project (VVP). VVP is a new initiative that serves two purposes: One, VVP engages our Veteran community in a resonant way amidst social distancing. Two, VVP preserves oral histories that capture the amazing stories of New York City Veterans who served from World War II through the Post-9/11 era.

In order for the Veteran Voices Project to succeed, we need your help. VVP is seeking volunteers to help us connect with and record as many Veteran stories as possible. These conversations will be recorded via easy-to-use, telephone-based technology. Volunteers will receive remote training and a list of suggested questions that will guide them as they capture biographical tales provided to them by senior members of NYC’s Veteran community. You do not need to be a Veteran to volunteer for VVP. Military family members, caregivers, student Veterans, and anyone else interested in collecting these stories may take part. Please complete this form and we will follow up with you soon!

Also, if you are an NYC Veteran who has an amazing story about your time in service and/or your experience as a Veteran, then please sign up here to your share your story with VVP.

Feeding NYC Veterans

This week DVS collaborated with the NYC Department of Sanitation and the NYC Emergency Management Department to store food at Hostos Community College.

In the coming weeks, this food will be delivered to veterans in need across NYC by Surf Vets, SAGE Vets, Samaritan Daytop Village, Housing and Services, Inc., Jericho Project, Bronx Community Board 9, Food Bank For New York City, HELP USA, and Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc.

If you're a veteran who cannot access food on your own due to an increased vulnerability to COVID-19, a disability, or financial hardship, please contact us directly at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or (212) 416-5250. 

Need to Know

Economic Impact Payments

Have questions about your Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check)? Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from veterans:

• All recipients of VA benefits will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments.
• VA beneficiaries who have dependents and did not file a 2018 or 2019 tax return should enter their children's information on the IRS website.  
• Economic Impact Payments are NOT countable income for VA pension eligibility.
• The VA’s Debt Management Center has suspended debt collection during the COVID-19 crisis and will NOT garnish your Economic Impact Payment if you who owe a debt to the VA.

Support for Student Veterans

Congress recently passed new legislation to protect student veterans from experiencing additional financial losses due to COVID-19. Under the new bill:

• student veterans will continue to receive work-study payments for the rest of the semester
• housing payments will continue even if colleges close
• education benefits will be restored if a college closes or if the student withdraws from school due to COVID-19

Read more here. 

DVS Partnership
& Contracting Opportunities

Burials Support

DVS is looking to partner with funeral homes to help bury our unclaimed and indigent veterans. NYC staff will support funeral homes in seeking an internment date from the VA National Cemetery. 

If you're interested in learning about compensation and how to participate, please call 646-634-1477 or email burials@veterans.nyc.gov.

Discharge Upgrades

DVS is seeking legal service providers to assist veterans who are trying to challenge their discharge status.

With an honorable discharge status, more veterans will be able to receive benefits previously denied to them, including VA health care. 

Learn more about this contracting opportunity here. 

COVID-19 Veteran Resources

Small Business Support

 Grants for Small Business 

• LISC Small Business Relief Grant: Deadline: April 28th
• Boost with Facebook Small Business Grant: Deadline May 5th
• COVID-19 Business For All Grant 
• Hispanic Federation Northern Manhattan Emergency Recovery Fund (for small businesses and non-profits located in Washington Heights)

Grants for Non-Profits 

• Zakat Fund 

Online Support 

•  The Up and Running program helps retailers without an online presence sell their products and services online. Learn more here. 

Important Notice
Due to increased demand, the following grants and funding sources have either paused application intake or are no longer accepting applications:

• SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) 
• NYC Employee Retention Grant Program 
• New York Community Trust NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund 
• US Chamber of Commerce Save Small Business Grant 
• NYC Business Continuity Loan Fund: Paused application intake. Businesses can fill out an interest form to receive updates on new financial assistance programs.

Legal Services:

• The Commercial Lease Assistance Program offers free legal services for businesses struggling with commercial lease issues. Learn more here.

Online Webinars for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

• NYC Comptroller's Office Webinar to Support Women-and-Minority Owned Businesses 
• US Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Small Business Hub
• US Chamber of Commerce National Small Business Town Hall Series 
• US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Workshop Wednesdays 

For additional information and financial services visit:

•  U.S. Small Business Administration 
• US Chamber of Commerce 
• NYC Business Solutions  Center 
• NYC Small Business Services  
• NYC Comptroller's List of Private Loans for Small Businesses   
• Alice COVID-19 Business Resource Center 

Make a Plan for Your Service Animal

Veterans who have been affected by COVID-19 can get assistance for their service animal by calling the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline at 1-877-204-8821. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

To learn how to prepare an emergency plan for your pet or service animal visit the NYC Emergency Management Department website.

FBI Warns of COVID-19 Scams

The FBI has warned government and health care industry buyers of an increase in scams related to the procurement of PPE, medical equipment, and other much-needed materials. Read more here. 

Non-Medical Hotel Isolation Program

If you are a healthcare employee or volunteer who has tested positive for COVID-19 and you are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic - you can stay at a non-medical hotel to minimize exposure and protect your family.

You must also meet the following criteria:

• you do not require hospitalization
• you are able to move on your own with or without assistive devices
• you are fully independent in activities of daily living
• you have no cognitive impairment/dementia
• you do not have any alternative space for isolation

Those eligible can book their reservations online.

Virtual Veterans Event

Barracks to Business: The Next Mission

Launch+Grow: Empowering Women Entrepenuers

Join Operation HOPE and CIT for an 8-week Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) for women. The course is designed for early-stage women entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business plans and access capital. The course also provides one-on-one support from business experts to improve your credit score. 

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 29th - Wednesday, June 17 
(8-week program) Wednesdays | 6pm-8pm

WHERE:
Online/ Zoom meetings on Wednesday nights. Individual sessions via phone or internet.

Open to women only.
Register here. 

For more information, email Rachel Hood at rachel.hood@operationhope.org

Month of the Military Child