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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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DVS Commissioner on AAPI Heritage Month
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Honoring AAPI Veterans & Calling Out Hate
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“Each May, we celebrate the rich contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the fabric of the United States of America. AAPI Veterans have proudly served and sacrificed for our nation, dating back to the War of 1812. They fought even as they battled the prejudices of the times—prejudices that have recently reared their ugly head once again.
During World War II, 33,000 Japanese Americans served honorably to protect our freedoms even though, in certain cases, their families were placed in internment camps built by the country that they loved. Several children in those camps later went on to serve in the US military during the Vietnam War.
Approximately one out of every five Chinese men living in the United States during World War II—or 20,000 people—served in the military, serving largely in the then-US Army Air Forces and US Army. Forty percent of those who served were not US citizens due to laws at the time that denied citizenship to people of Chinese descent. Separately, records show that 58 of out of the roughly 200 Chinese Americans living on the eastern seaboard during the 1860s fought in the Civil War; most served in the US Navy.
These are but a few of the countless examples of contributions that AAPI Veterans have made to the United States. Today, there are an estimated 300,000 living Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Veterans who served across the branches of the Armed Forces. In New York City, approximately 4.3 percent of Veterans are of AAPI heritage. They come from all walks of life and have selflessly served our nation
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As we gratefully thank AAPI Veterans for their service, we also call out the recent rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in our city and country. We call on all citizens to stand up against the hatred and bigotry directed towards this community. Together, we can help end this scourge and embody the values that these Veterans fought and died to protect.
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!"
- DVS Commissioner James Hendon
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Leaders Eat Last:
Confronting Food Insecurity
in the Veteran Community
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This week, the Bob Woodruff Foundation hosted the "Leaders Eat Last" virtual event series featuring conversations with leading figures in the veteran service community, including DVS Commissioner James Hendon, focused on food insecurity among veterans and veteran families.
In 1980, 18% of all Americans had served in the military. That number is about 7% right now. "Fewer and fewer of our non-veteran brothers and sisters recognize these issues or know about them", stated Commissioner Hendon. Watch the "Leaders Eat Last" panel discussion here.
If you or someone you know is in need of food, please submit your information to VetConnectNYC, our online service platform.
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VA Work-Study Opportunities
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The VA Work-Study Program is an opportunity for student veterans to get paid for part-time work. Student veterans who meet the following requirements may be eligible to take part in the work-study program:
- are enrolled at least three-quarter time in a college degree, vocational, or professional program, and
- have found an open job either at a nearby VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school, and
- can finish the work-study contract while you still qualify for education benefits, and
- are using an approved VA education benefits program to pay for your education or training
Visit the VA Work-Study website for a list of approved VA education benefit programs and additional information about the VA Work-Study Program.
VA Work-Study Positions at DVS:
See below for a list of available VA Work-Study positions at DVS:
If you are interested in applying for a DVS-specific Work-Study position and meet eligibility requirements, please submit the following to DVSHRSupport@veterans.nyc.gov:
- resume
- cover letter stating specific position applying for
- other supporting documents
Visit nyc.gov/studentvet for updated postings.
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Section 8 Housing Lottery Now Open
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The NYC Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist Lottery is open until Friday, May 28th! Those selected through the lottery will have the chance to receive a Section 8 Voucher, which provides a subsidy to help low-income renters afford decent housing. Apply here.
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COVID-19 Information & Resources
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Walk-ins Welcomed
New Yorkers ages 12 and up 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.
New Vaccination Centers
This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced new COVID-19 vaccine sites at the following locations:
Those who get vaccinated at one of these sites will receive a free family pass for a future visit.
After You Get Vaccinated
See guidelines for fully vaccinated people 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.
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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Take the NYC Veterans and Military Community Survey
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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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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 submitting your information to VetConnectNYC.
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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, please submit your information to VetConnectNYC.
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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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How DVS Responded to the Pandemic
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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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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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