AGENCY TESTIMONY
Importance of veteran self-identification in various contexts
0:19:44
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93 sec
Commissioner Hendon emphasizes the critical importance of veteran self-identification across various contexts and services.
- The issue of veteran self-identification permeates all sectors of the community, including those experiencing housing insecurity
- Commissioner urges policymakers to join efforts to inspire and motivate veterans to self-identify
- He recommends using intake forms that include questions from Local Law 37 of 2024 to identify veterans
- These questions ask about military service and consent for DVS to contact individuals regarding services
- The commissioner stresses the importance of these questions in connecting veterans with available resources and support
James Hendon
0:19:44
An aside, we ask policymakers to join our efforts to inspire and motivate veterans to self identify as well.
0:19:50
We've learned that the veteran self identification issue permeates through all sectors of our community, including those experiencing housing insecurity.
0:19:58
One tangible step that all city council members can take today, please, on the intake forms that you use in your district offices, ask the questions tied to Local Law 37 of 2024.
0:20:10
These are questions that the council, through its leadership, ensure that all New York City client facing agencies now ask.
0:20:17
Those questions I'm reading from the local law.
0:20:19
Question 1 is a question about whether such person or any member of their household has served in the armed forces, National Guard, or Reserves of the United States, provided that responding to such questions shall be voluntary.
0:20:29
And question 2, an option for any person who responds affirmatively affirmatively to the question, indicate whether such person consents to the Department of Veterans Services contacting them regarding services and resources for veterans.
0:20:42
In conclusion, we're grateful for the opportunity afforded to our agency to testify on arts and culture within the veteran community.
0:20:48
We're happy to answer any questions that the committee may have.
0:20:51
Information on the art and community programs spoken about today can be found at nyc.gov/ vets under the community tab.
0:20:59
Separately, we encourage all who listen to and read this testimony to learn more about the Department of Veterans Services offerings by visiting nyc.gov/ vets, calling us at 212-416-5250, emailing us at connect at veterans.nyc.gov, and following us on social media using the hashtag at nycveterans.
