NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS)
Weekly Newsletter |
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Message from Commissioner Hendon:
Housing for Veterans More Critical Than Ever |
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Dear Veteran Community, In these uncertain times, there are few things more important than the security of having a place to live. That is why the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) is working harder than ever to help homeless Veterans find safe, affordable housing for themselves and their families. Although our Housing and Support Services team is currently working remotely to better protect vulnerable Veterans and shelter colleagues during this crisis, we are in constant contact with clients, landlords, shelter staff, and agency partners to identify available apartments, offer virtual tours, and - when safe - provide in-person viewings. We also process the myriad of paperwork that is needed to help Veterans move from the shelter into their new home. Those seeking to learn more about our housing services can call us at (212) 416-5250 or email connect@veterans.nyc.gov. |
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Over the course of the past month as the pandemic worsened, DVS kept pace with housing Veterans even in the midst of the crisis. One recent highlight was moving an Army Veteran and his family of six out of the shelter into a home in the Bronx. In another instance, we helped an Army Veteran, his spouse, and newborn child move into an apartment shortly after their baby was born. Since DVS began its housing initiative four years ago, we have moved just shy of 900 people out of shelters and into homes. |
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Rapidly rehousing Veterans is an important goal of our housing mission. That said, while a Veteran awaits their new home, we also work with our partners to ensure that these Veterans are as safe as possible in the places where they presently reside, especially in light of the current crisis. We could not do this without the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and our nonprofit colleagues. Working together, these entities have implemented strict social distancing and cleaning protocols in shelters in addition to a triage system that moves Veterans who are COVID-19 symptomatic and/or positive into medical care and isolation beds. Emergency hotel rooms are being made available for homeless Veterans with underlying high-risk factors for the most negative effects of COVID-19 on a case by case basis. Similarly, street outreach teams are working diligently to ensure that no Veteran stays on the street when there is a safe bed waiting for them. If you see a homeless Veteran on the street, please call 311; a team will be dispatched right away. Additionally, our homeless prevention and constituent services staff stands ready to help if you face the threat of eviction. While there is currently a 90-day moratorium on evictions in New York State (announced on March 20th, 2020), if any NYC Veteran anticipates that they will be evicted from their residence once the moratorium is lifted (on or about June 18th, 2020), then we urge you to contact us now for assistance. Furthermore, if you know a Veteran living in New York City for whom this situation applies, then please let them know to contact us immediately. Once again, DVS can be reached at (212) 416-5250, through our website, and/or connect@veterans.nyc.gov. Lastly, we are currently performing wellness calls with the near 900 Veterans whom we have housed. Most of these Veterans are single, living alone, and seniors. We are calling to learn whether they need anything and to inform them about available resources from food to healthcare. At DVS, we understand that housing is an essential cornerstone to building success and we stand ready to provide the help that you need now and into the future. Thank you and take care of yourself! All the best, - James
Lt. Col. James Hendon
Commissioner
New York City Department of Veterans' Services
Please follow us at www.nyc.gov/vets, on social media @nycveterans, or via email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov. For the latest information regarding COVID-19's impact on NYC's veteran community, visit the DVS COVID-19 page. |
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Three free meals per day are available for every New Yorker during the week. Meals can be picked up at all Meal Hubs, between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Text "NYC FOOD" or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877 to find a Meal Hub near you. Visit the NYC Department of Education Free Meals page to learn more. |
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VA Extends Relief to Veterans |
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The VA recently announced several financial relief measures to support veterans during the COVID-19 crisis.
Benefit and Healthcare Debt - Veterans can choose to either suspend collection action or extend repayment terms on preexisting VA debts.
- Veterans looking for assistance with their benefit debts should contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648. For healthcare debts, veterans should call the Health Resource Center at 1-888-827-4817.
Benefits and Claims Veterans have the option to submit paperwork late to perform the following actions: - perfect claims
- challenge adverse decisions
- submit Notices of Disagreement
- submit Substantive Appeals
- respond to Supplemental Statements of the Case
Veterans do not have to request an extension in advance, instead, they are instructed to submit requests for claim extensions with any late-filed paperwork. Call 1-800-827-1000 if you have any questions. The Board of Veterans' Appeals will Advance appeals on Docket (AOD) for veterans with COVID-19 who need immediate action on their appeals. Learn more. Read more about the VA's financial relief measures. |
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Health Insurance Enrollment |
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Uninsured New Yorkers will have more time to get covered.
Health insurance enrollment through the NY State of Health Marketplace is open through May 15th as part of a Special Enrollment Period. For more information or to receive free enrollment assistance visit GetCoveredNYC or call 311. |
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Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that all New Yorkers will be able to cast absentee ballots in the state’s June 23 primary elections. Learn more about absentee ballot voting here.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their civic duty.”
- Governor Cuomo |
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Donate Blood. Save Lives. |
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COVID-19 has caused a dramatic reduction in the U.S. blood supply, putting Americans in need of blood transfusions at serious risk. Do your part. Make an appointment to donate blood with the New York Blood Center today. |
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Donate or Manufacture Medical Supplies |
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Crye Precision went from making military armor to manufacturing surgical gowns for NYC’s doctors and nurses. Learn how businesses across the city are contributing to the COVID-19 relief efforts here. If you're a veteran business owner or veteran entrepreneur, learn how you can donate or manufacture much-needed medical supplies (face shields, gowns, ventilators, & masks). Photo courtesy of USAG Fort Hamilton. |
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Taxpayers who filed a 2019 or 2018 tax return will receive a check from the IRS via direct deposit by April 15th. If the IRS does not have your bank account information, you will receive a paper check between the end of April and September.
Individual filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 will receive $1,200.
Married couples who file joint returns and have an adjusted gross income of up to $150,000 will receive $2,400. Taxpayers with children will receive an additional $500 for each qualifying child.
The payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and joint filers with incomes over $198,000 without children are not eligible.
Social Security recipients are eligible and are not required to file a return.
Visit the IRS website to learn more. |
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NYCHA
NYCHA is suspending all termination actions for at least 60 days. Suspended actions include annual recertifications, inspections, and fraud investigations.
Recertifications resulting in rent increases will take place on May 1st, 2020, or later. Call 718-707-7771 if you have any questions.
NYCHA residents looking for additional COVID-19 guidance and resources can click here. |
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COVID-19 Veteran Resource Guide |
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Food Assistance
Food Pantry Download the Plentiful app to makes reservations at food pantries. Visit the Plentiful website for a map of NYC food pantries and hours. Food Assistance for Senior Veterans All meals previously served at NYC senior centers are being delivered. To schedule a delivery, call your local senior center, 311 or the Department for the Aging’s hotline at 212-244-6469 (212-AGING-NYC). You can also find the nearest senior center at the New York City Department for the Aging. |
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Financial Assistance
Emergency Financial Assistance The NYC Human Resource Administration’s One Shot Deal allows NYC residents to apply for a one-time emergency grant that can be used for assistance with rent, utility bills, and disaster expenses. For eligibility guidelines and how to apply click here. Operation Homefront offers veterans and servicemembers financial assistance for critical family needs. Due to COVID-19, Operation Homefront will accept and process immediate requests for assistance outside the normal monthly application cycle. Learn more. Branch-Specific Aid The Air Force Aid Society provides no-interest loans and grants to Air Force servicemembers and Air Force families who experience unexpected financial emergencies. Learn more. The Navy-Marine Corps Marine Society provides interest-free loans and grants to active duty servicemembers and retired Marines. The organization also offers financial counseling. Learn more. The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance helps Coast Guard members who have been placed in quarantine secure authorized loans of up to $6000. Learn more. The Army Emergency Relief offers emergency financial assistance to Army reservists, Army servicemembers who are on active duty or retired, and surviving families of Army servicemembers. Learn more. American Red Cross Financial Assistance offers emergency funds if you are an active duty service member, member of an activated National Guard or Reserve unit, and military retirees. Immediate family members of active duty servicemembers, as well as spouse and widow(er)s of a military retirees, are also eligible. Submit a request for support online or call 1-877-272-7337 for support. Learn more. |
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One-on-One Support Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP) provides 1-on-1 support to struggling veterans. Access emergency housing assistance, financial assistance, mental health resources, legal aid, and more. Call 1-855-91-RAPID to speak to a veteran peer support counselor or visit IAVA’s RRRP page. |
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Housing Support NYC Human Resource Administration's Homebase program works with New Yorkers who are currently experiencing an immediate housing crisis. Homelessness prevention experts work to develop personalized plans designed to achieve housing stability. Learn if you are eligible to receive Homebase services here.
All Homebase services are administered over the phone. Contact a Homebase location in your borough: |
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Housing Discrimination Your landlord cannot evict you or ask you to leave your apartment because you test positive for COVID-19. If your landlord attempts to remove you due to your COVID-19 diagnosis, please file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 or filing online.
For more housing resources, visit the HPD website. |
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Legal Aid The Volunteers of Legal Service’s Unemployed Workers Project provides free legal advice to low-wage and unemployed workers who are seeking government benefits. If you need support accessing benefits, call the Unemployed Workers Project hotline at 347-521-5720 or fill this interest form. |
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Immigration Services Public Charge
Immigrants who receive medical treatment for COVID-19 will not have their ability to apply for a green card or citizenship impacted. The use of health services related to COVID-19 will also not be considered under the Public Charge Rule.
DACA
If you or someone you know needs assistance renewing a DACA application, please call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365. The NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs can also help cover the renewal fee.
Language Resources:
Read more about NYC's efforts to expand language access and get COVID-19 information to all our communities. |
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 | Meditation has been proven to lower stress and anxiety. The exercise can serve as a useful tool in coping with the COVID-19 crisis.
Stress is Gone is providing eight meditation classes a week - free for veterans.
When
Monday through Friday | 9 am
Tuesday and Thursday | 2 pm
Friday | 1 pm (for First Responders only)
How to Join Use the Meeting ID: 582 811 3947 |
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