NYC Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner on Pride Month
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"During Pride Month, we celebrate veterans who fight for equality. The U.S. is home to one million lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and LGBTQ+ service members, with roughly 65,000 on active duty. The LGBTQ+ community is an integral aspect of our diversity and a vital facet of our veteran population. For many years, our courageous LGBTQ+ service members and allies have been at the forefront of driving equality at both the local and national levels. This year’s Pride March, “Unapologetically Us,” reminds us that we all deserve the right to live our truth and be our most authentic selves. We salute LGBTQ+ veterans across generations and honor the service, dedication, and sacrifice of every LGBTQ+ Veteran.
Happy Pride, NYC!"
- James Hendon, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans' Services
LGBTQ+ veterans can find resources at nyc.gov/lgbtvet.
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Honoring Immigrant Veterans
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There are approximately 700,000 foreign-born veterans living in the U.S. today and an estimated 45,000 immigrants actively serving. This Immigrant Heritage Month, we honor those who came to our country for a better life and served to ensure a better life for us all.
If you are an immigrant in need of assistance or resources, visit the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) or La Colmena.
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NYC Mayor on Abortion Rights
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"Reproductive care is health care. Abortion is health care. The Supreme Court's decision puts lives at risk. To all New Yorkers: I want to say that they can still access safe, legal abortions here in New York City. And to those seeking abortions around the country: Know that you are welcome here and that we will make every effort to ensure our reproductive services are available and readily accessible to you."
- NYC Mayor Eric Adams
To learn more and find resources: on.nyc.gov/AbortionResources
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DVS Hosts Furniture Build-A-Thon
for Formerly Homeless Veterans
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DVS is hosting two Furniture Build-A-Thons in the Bronx throughout July. Veterans, families, and supporters are invited to volunteer to help build foldable tables and stools for formerly homeless veterans who have recently moved into a new home. Refreshments will be served. See below for details:
DATES AND TIMES:
Saturday, July 9th, 2022 | 9 am - 1 pm
Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 | 9 am - 1 pm
LOCATION:
JFK High School Campus (Fields)
99 Terrace View Avenue (Near Tibbett Avenue and West 230th St)
Bronx, New York 10463
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
By Train: 1 train to 231 St street
By Bus: Bx 1, Bx7, Bs 10
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Nicole Orlando at norlando@veterans.nyc.gov or (646) 818-0289
Thank you to the following partners for sponsoring this event: Office of Councilman Eric Dinowitz, PenFed Foundation, and the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City
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Resources for
Financial Assistance and Food Insecurity
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We know times are tough and many New Yorkers are struggling to manage rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and higher prices for food and other essential goods and services. Please see below to learn how you can connect to income support and food assistance services.
Income Support:
DVS connects veterans to income support programs, branch-specific aid, and more. We also connect veterans and their families to emergency financial assistance programs that offer cash assistance to help cover overdue bills, rent, and utilities. Connect to income support by filling out the VetConnectNYC form and selecting "Income Support" as your preferred service.
For income support resources, visit nyc.gov/vetfinance.
Money Management:
DVS connects veterans to financial counseling and tax preparation services. Connect to money management services by filling out the VetConnectNYC and selecting "Money Management" as your preferred service.
For money management resources, visit nyc.gov/vetmoney.
Food Assistance:
DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC and select "Food Assistance" as your preferred service, to request free meal kits from HelloFresh and other food assistance services.
For more resources, visit nyc.gov/vetfood.
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COVID-19 Vaccinations Available
for Children 6 & Up
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COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now available to children over 6 months old. Getting children vaccinated also helps protect those around them from severe COVID-19. Schedule an appointment at on.nyc.gov/covidvaccine
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DVS Programs and Initiatives
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Get the Benefits You Deserve
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DVS represents NYC veterans in claims for benefits from the VA. During a time of economic crisis and high unemployment, we wanted to ensure that every veteran got the financial benefits they earned. To file a claim, fill out the VetConnectNYC.org form (select "Benefits Navigation" as your preferred service).
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VetConnectPro: A New Employment Tool for NYC Veterans
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This past Veterans Day, the NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) officially launched VetConnectPro - a new employment tool designed to help veterans find employment, professional mentorship, and resources to advance their careers. Get started by creating or uploading your resume today: nyc.gov/vetconnectpro.
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Mission: VetCheck volunteers make check-in calls to veterans across NYC. Through these calls, volunteers provide veterans with information regarding vital public services, including free meals, information on COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, and mental health resources. To volunteer with Mission: VetCheck or request a check-in call, click here.
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Fighting Veteran Homelessness
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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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VetBizNYC: NYC's Veteran-Owned Business Map
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The Veteran Voices Project (VVP) is an oral history initiative designed to preserve the stories of NYC's Veterans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/vetvoices.
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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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