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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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NYC DVS COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall
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Have Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine?
We've Got Answers!
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The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) will host a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall specifically for NYC's veteran community on Wednesday, May 19th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Dr. William Fisher of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Lyn Johnson, Outreach Specialist and Minority Veteran Coordinator at VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, will address vaccine hesitancy within the veteran community and answer questions from constituents.
Join us as we deliver the facts and debunk the myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine - we encourage you to attend.
Join us online here or by phone at 646-992-2010.
Access Code: 173 514 4812
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Help Shape the Programs & Policies
that Serve NYC's Veteran Community
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Are you a member of NYC's veteran community? If so, take the NYC Veteran and Military Community Survey today! DVS will use your responses to shape programs and policies designed to improve the lives of veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and active duty service members across the five boroughs. Take the survey here!
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Hidden Heroes serves those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. The organization offers comprehensive case management support, assistance with applying for benefits, and connects caregivers to their peers. Sign up to their National Caregiver Registry for access to local events and programs, a directory of vetted resources, and peer support.
Hidden Heroes also encourages caregivers to apply for the Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers program, which offers family caregivers of veterans or service members access to free, short-term relief with the help of in-home care professionals. Apply here.
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Post 9/11 Veterans:
Apply for a Bachelor's Degree Scholarship
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The Posse Veterans Program offers scholarships to Post-9/11 veterans to obtain a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University, Vassar College, and the University of Virginia. Applicants are currently being considered for the Fall 2022 semester. Learn more and apply here.
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Panel Discussion on Veteran Benefits
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Career Opportunity:
Construction Site Safety Training
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The Construction Site Safety Training (SST) virtual course provides participants with the required training to work on most construction sites in NYC. The FREE, 30-hour training will also help you obtain your Site Safety Training (SST) card. Learn more here.
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COVID-19 Information & Resources
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Expanded Vaccine Eligibility
New York State has authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 12 to 15. Learn more here.
Vaccine Incentives:
- The CDC has stated that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask – indoors or outdoors, in most settings. Learn more here.
- For the rest of the month, people who show their CDC-issued vaccine cards at any of the 25 Shake Shacks in the city will get a free side of fries. Learn more here.
Walk-ins Welcomed!
All eligible New Yorkers can now walk into any City-run vaccine site and get a COVID-19 vaccine - no appointment needed, no zip code requirement. To find a City-run vaccine site, click here.
You can still schedule a vaccine appointment at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (1-877-829-4692). To find other locations that may have appointments available visit:
Please note: People who are 12 to 17 years old are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
Walk-ins also Welcomed at VA New York Harbor Vaccine Clinics:
VA NY Harbor Healthcare System is now accepting walk-ins for the Pfizer and Jonson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations:
- Manhattan VA Medical Center
- Brooklyn VA Medical Center
- Staten Island Community VA Clinic
- St. Albans VA Medical Center
VA vaccination clinics are open between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Veterans, spouses, caregivers are all welcome! You can still schedule an appointment at any one of these locations by calling 1-877-877-9267.
Call (718) 584-9000 ext. 4640 to schedule an appointment at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx VA).
In-home Vaccinations
If you are a homebound veteran, you can schedule an in-home vaccination by calling 877-829-4692 or by filling out the request form here.
After You Get Vaccinated
See guidelines for fully vaccinated people here.
Vaccine Facts
Have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Check out NYC's Vaccine FAQ here.
COVID-19 Testing
NYC still has COVID tests available for free all around the city. Find a location at nyc.gov/covidtest.
FEMA Funeral Support
FEMA is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses occurring after January 20th, 2020, for deaths related to COVID-19. Covered expenses include the transfer of remains, burial plots, caskets, clergy services, cremation, headstones, and more. Learn more and apply to receive financial assistance here.
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DVS Programs & Initiatives
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Making supportive calls. Distributing face masks. Preparing meal kits. Housing the homeless. Processing VA benefit claims. Watch this video to learn how DVS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Put Your Veteran-Owned Business on the Map
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DVS is launching an online interactive map that will help New Yorkers find VOBs in their community. Veterans business owners can add their information to the upcoming VOB map here.
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DVS partnered with GetFoodNYC to help deliver food to homebound veterans. We're also working to distribute HelloFresh meals to veteran families. Request food or learn how to volunteer to prepare meal kits by contacting connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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Ending Veteran Homelessness in NYC
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Over the past five years, our housing team has moved over 1,000 veterans from shelters and into permanent housing. Learn more about DVS's efforts to end veteran homelessness in NYC here.
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Making Calls to Veterans Across NYC
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As part of Mission: VetCheck, volunteers call NYC veterans to provide information about essential services, including free meals, COVID-19 testing, and mental health resources.
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Many veterans living in NYC are eligible for, but do not receive, their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. That's why DVS is representing veterans and their families in claims for benefits. To schedule an online appointment with a member of our VA Claims Team, contact claims@veterans.nyc.gov or 212-416-5250.
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Veteran Voices Project: Oral History Initiative
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DVS has captured the oral history of NYC veterans representing every branch and service era. From World War 2 to COVID-19, hear stories of service across generations on our Veteran Voices Project library.
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SITREP NYC: NYC's Official Veteran Podcast
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Listen to SITREP NYC, NYC's official veteran-focused podcast, to hear stories from veterans who are often ignored and underserved. Hear the complete season here or see below for a list of episodes:
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Stories of Transition
The Black Veteran Experience
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LGBT Veteran Stories
The Health of Women Veterans
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DVS updated its website to help EVERY veteran find the services that are right for them. Whether you're a student, transitioning, woman, LGBT, or a senior veteran - nyc.gov/vets has what you need.
Review the webpages on our site:
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Support a Veteran:
Media:
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