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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS)
Weekly Newsletter: April 1st, 2020
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Message from Commissioner Hendon:
Maintaining Your Mental Health
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Dear Veteran Community,
Protecting your mental health during this time of crisis is one of the most important things that you can do right now. The drumbeat of troubling news in the media, the impact of the pandemic on us, our loved ones, and our community, and the social isolation created by being stuck inside can chip away at our behavioral health and cause us to slip into a negative state of mind.
Self-care is an important ritual that all of us need to account for right now. Luckily for the Veteran community, there are several resources that Veterans can avail themselves of from home to get the help that they might need.
I wanted to share some of the many resources that are available:
ThriveNYC has released a new Mental Health Support New Yorkers Can Access While Staying Home guide which provides a comprehensive list of city services that are available for those in need of assistance.
NYC Well is a confidential helpline for mental health and substance abuse services. Trained counselors can provide you with support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages. To reach NYC Well, call 1-888-NYC-WELL or text WELL to 65173.
Veterans and those concerned about a Veteran can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1), text 838255, or access CRISIS CHAT at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
VetConnectNYC connects Veterans to organizations that provide free therapy and counseling services to Veterans. Additionally, VetConnectNYC is able to introduce Veterans to other non-counseling related services they may need. The website for VetConnectNYC is www.vetconnectnyc.org. VetConnectNYC’s telephone number is 1-833-VETS-NYC.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness for the New York City Metropolitan Area (NAMI NYC) Metro has a helpline and hosts daily support groups via telephone and video in addition to a new weekly chat group for anyone in need of connection. For more information visit here and/or call NAMI NYC’s helpline at 212-684-3264.
NYU’s Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center is providing online doctor visits as part of its Telemental Health Program. These doctors provide online mental healthcare to Veterans and their families throughout New York. Online doctor visits may be accessed through the NYU Langone Health App. For more information, call 855-698-4677.
The Objective Zero Foundation is a tech nonprofit that promotes wellness and preventing suicide within the military community. The Objective Zero app connects users to mental health and wellness resources; it also connects them to a nationwide peer support network. Learn more about Objective Zero at www.objectivezero.org.
Brett Cotter, founder of www.stressisgone.org, is providing free online workshops to help Veterans de-stress during the coronavirus pandemic every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 3 pm EST. Brett facilitates each session by sharing free stress management tools and techniques, followed by a Q&A. The workshop also guides the group through exercises to release tension, stress, and anxiety. Each session ends with a 20-minute guided meditation session. More information can be found at https://www.stressisgone.org/.
Headstrong, which provides free and confidential mental healthcare, is treating current and new Veteran clients online during the COVID-19 emergency. Sign up online here.
These are only a few of the many services that are available. View a full list on our COVID-19 Resource page, which is frequently updated.
Thank you and take care of yourself!
All the best,
Commissioner James Hendon
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The following DVS services are now available online (via connect@veterans.nyc.gov) or by phone (212-416-5250):
- Funeral honors program
- Housing support services
- Constituent Services: Providing critical support to at-risk veterans, such as housing, employment, veteran benefits, and general guidance on where to locate support resources
The following DVS services have been suspended:
- DVS-sponsored events
- In-person community engagement at Veteran Resource Centers across the five boroughs
- Veteran Peer Coordinator's operating at shelters across NYC
For more information on city services that have been reduced or suspended, please visit NYC’s City Agency Service Update page.
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Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing
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The first drive-through testing center for coronavirus in NYC opened in Staten Island on March 19th. The site, located at 777 Seaview Ave, conducted more than 3,300 tests in five days. An additional drive-through testing site opened on March 30th in Co-Op City, Bronx. The mobile testing center is located in the Bay Plaza AMC Theater parking lot (2210 Bartow Ave).
Testing at both sites is by appointment only. If you have symptoms and would like to schedule an appointment in one of NYC's drive-through testing sites, call the New York State Department of Health at 888-364-3065. Priority will go to higher-risk individuals.
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Pharmacies to Offer Free Delivery
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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that pharmacies in New York State will offer free home delivery, introducing a vital service for senior veterans and other vulnerable New Yorkers.
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The Navy has canceled Fleet Week New York due to concerns over COVID-19. The annual celebration was initially scheduled to run from May 20th to May 26th.
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USNS Comfort Arrives in NYC
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The U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Comfort, raised the New York State flag as it approached New York Harbor on Monday, March 30th. With hospitals across NYC reaching capacity, the Navy ship will be used to treat patients in need of care who do not have COVID-19. DVS Commissioner Hendon joined Mayor Bill de Blasio in welcoming the ship and its crew to NYC.
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"Information is powerful, and that's why I'm giving you daily answers to your COVID-19 questions." - Mayor Bill de Blasio
Have a question about COVID-19? Every morning, Mayor de Blasio will post a video message on his social media pages to provide New Yorkers with answers. Email us at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or message our Facebook or Twitter page to leave a question or concern regarding COVID-19 for the mayor. We will forward your message to the NYC Mayor's Office.
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CARES Act to Support Student Veterans
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On March 27th, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, was signed into law, providing much-needed relief for student veterans. Under the new law, student veterans may be eligible to receive direct cash payments, expanded unemployment insurance, additional financial aid, continued work-study payments, and student loan relief. Read more about the bill here.
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Social Security & SSI Payments
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) stated that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue to be paid on time during the COVID-19 crisis. Local SSA offices are currently closed to the public but services are available by phone. You can find your local field office phone number here.
NYC Office of Financial Empowerment
The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Financial Empowerment is offering financial counseling and coaching services remotely. The following services will be conducted over the phone:
First-time users looking to schedule an over-the-phone financial counseling session must create an online Portal account. Those who already have an online Portal account can visit the Financial Empowerment Portal to see current appointment availability. Email PortalSupport@dca.nyc.gov if you face any issue using the Portal.
Access-A-Ride
Access-A-Ride is no longer scheduling shared rides, however, those in need can still travel with a personal care attendant or guest. Learn more.
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COVID-19 Veteran Resource Guide
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How to Serve
Medical Reserve Corps
NYC needs retired medical professionals to support hospitals and join the Medical Reserve Corps. Medically trained veterans are encouraged to enlist. Join today.
Donate Supplies
If you would like to donate Personal Protective Equipment, PPEs, to support healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis please call 833-NYC-0040 or visit the NYC PPE Donation Portal.
If you are a large-scale donor of PPE you can drop off donations at the NYC DCAS Central Store House. Please donate only the following items at this time:
- Disposable powder-free nitrile gloves, all sizes
- Single-use (disposable) full-face shields (should cover front and sides of the face)
- Indirectly vented goggles, any size
- Single-use (disposable) fluid-resistant gowns, any size
- Face masks (must be labeled as surgical, isolation, dental, or medical procedure masks)
- Surgical N95 respirators
- R95 respirators
- N100 respirators
- P100 respirators
Donation Location:
NYC DCAS Central Store House
66-26 Metropolitan Avenue
Middle Village New York 11379
Donation Dates and Times:
Donations will be accepted Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Notify one of the following personnel before dropping off deliveries:
- Addesh Lal (718) 416 8727
- Mike Boyd (718) 416 8728
- Jason Brewster (718) 416 8722
- Anson Telford (718) 416 8701
- Frank D'onofrio (718) 416 8705
New York State is also accepting PPE donations. Please call 646-522-8477, email COVID19supplies@esd.ny.gov, or visit New York State’s COVID-19 procurement form.
Manufacture Supplies
If you’re a veteran business owner or veteran entrepreneur and you believe your company can donate medical supplies, please fill out NYC’s Supply Registration Form.
If your company can source or manufacture medical supplies such as face shields, gowns, ventilators, and masks please visit New York State's product sourcing page or the New York City Economic Development Corporation page.
Share Your Space
American Legions, VFWs, and other VSOs are encouraged to share their space to support NYC’s emergency operations and community outreach events. Learn more today.
Monetary Donations
NYC Health + Hospitals is accepting monetary donations that will be used to provide food, laundry services, and hotel rooms for healthcare workers on the front lines. To donate $5,000 or more, email James.Linhart@nychhc.org. For donations under $5,000, visit https://nychhc.networkforgood.com/.
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Food Assistance
Resource Guide:
Visit the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center to find a list of food resources in each NYC neighborhood.
Emergency Assistance
If you or someone you know needs food right away, call Growing Up NYC’s Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen.
Food Assistance for Senior Veterans
If you or someone you know is a senior in need, visit Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s website for a complete list of Senior Center Grab & Go Meals distribution sites. For more information about services for NYC’s senior population, including senior meal updates, please visit the New York City Department for the Aging.
SNAP Benefits
You can apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits online at Access HRA.
To shop for fresh groceries online using your SNAP benefits visit the online ordering page.
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Housing and Rent
To learn more about NYCHA’s efforts to support public housing residents and Section 8 participants struggling with rent hardships visit the NYCHA journal. NYCHA encourages residents experiencing financial challenges to visit the NYCHA Self-Service Portal.
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Financial Assistance
The following specialized grants are available to freelancers, artists, and tipped service workers:
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Business Support
NYC created the Employee Retention Grant Program to help small businesses retain their employees. The grant allows small businesses with fewer than 5 employees to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months. Learn more.
Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for zero-interest loans of up to $75,000 if they see a 25% or more decrease in sales. Learn more.
New York small business owners are also eligible to apply for a low-interest Federal Disaster Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Facebook is offering cash grants to struggling small businesses around the world. Learn more about the Facebook Small Business Grants Program.
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Support for Nonprofit Organizations:
The following grants are available to nonprofits organizations facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19:
Below are additional resources for nonprofits:
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Military Families
Parents looking for tips on maintaining stability in the home can read this helpful article from Psychology Today.
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Education Services
Scholastic is offering free educational projects to keep children engaged with learning while at home.
View this online presentation to learn how to set up Google Classroom and support your child’s remote learning.
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Transportation
Transportation to VA Appointments
The VA Travel Reimbursement pays veterans back for travel expenses to and from health care appointments.
Several VA medical centers offer transportation services to VA appointments and authorized non-VA appointments. Learn more about the Veteran Transportation Service (VTS).
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Veterans with Disabilities
Resource Guide
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has created a resource guide to support people with disabilities during this crisis. If you have questions or concerns regarding disability services, please contact 212-788-2830 or 646-396-5830.
Transportation Services
The Accessible Dispatch Program gives people with disabilities access to green and yellow wheelchair accessible taxis. To schedule a ride, call 311 or 646-599-9999. You can also download the app or book rides online. Learn more.
Disabled American Veterans provides free transportation to VA medical facilities for sick veterans. View the Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact a coordinator.
Service Animals
Veterans should develop an emergency preparation plan for their service animals. For guidance, view this emergency preparation page for pets and service animals.
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Discrimination, Harassment, and Hate Crimes
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Blue Star Families Webinar: What is Your Professional Why?
Military spouses are invited to join Blue Star Families and AFCPE to learn more about the FINRA Investor Education Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship to become an Accredited Financial Counselor. Accredited Financial Counselors help military members and their families improve financial readiness. The webinar will feature discussions from a diverse group of past fellowship recipients.
Register here.
WHEN:
Thursday, April 2nd | 1:00 pm
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Thank You for Your Service
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Community members left a "thank you" message across the street from Elmhurst Hospital last week.
We would like to join our fellow New Yorkers in expressing our gratitude. To all of NYC healthcare workers - thank you for your service.
Have a safe and healthy week. Remember to show gratitude to those in your life who are supporting you through this crisis.
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