AGENCY TESTIMONY
DVS initiatives influenced by the Veterans Advisory Board
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This chapter details several key initiatives of the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) that were directly influenced by the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB).
- The Veteran Business Leadership Association (VBLA) was launched to empower veteran entrepreneurs through assistance with certifications, contracting opportunities, and networking.
- DVS has successfully housed 1,417 homeless veterans through its housing support services team since 2015.
- Mission Vet Check, an outreach program inspired by the VAB, connects veterans to essential services and has made significant impact, including 1,563 check-in calls in a single day in December 2024.
James Hendon
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Highlights of DVS actions that were directly influenced by the Veterans Advisory Board are the Veteran Business Leadership Association, VBLA.
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DVS launched this effort to empower veteran entrepreneurs by providing 1 on 1 assistance with city and state certifications, contracting opportunities, and networking.
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This program exemplifies how enhanced contracting capabilities can directly benefit New York City veterans.
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We've partnered with organizations such as the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the LaGuardia Community College Apex Accelerator, Bunker Labs, and JPMorgan Chase.
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These organizations offer a variety of services geared towards veteran and veteran spouse business owners that facilitate starting, operating, and growing a veteran owned business within New York City.
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Links and further information on all VBLA programs can be found at nyc.gov /vetbusiness.
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Housing and support services.
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Since the establishment of our housing support services team in 2015, DVS has successfully housed 1,417 homeless veterans.
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This demonstrates our commitment to addressing critical housing issues identified by the VAB.
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More information can be found online at nyc.gov/vethousing.
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Mission Vet Check, this outreach program, which was inspired by the VAB, connects veterans to essential services.
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Mission Vet Check addresses gaps in communication and support for our most vulnerable veteran populations.
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The program affect is effectively us, volunteers, and our partners at New York Cares ensuring that someone calls each veteran new in New York City and conveys to them at some point that we see you, we appreciate you, and we love you.
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Is there anything that you need?
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In the most recent holiday session for Mission Vet Check held on December 23, 2024, the program yielded in one day 1,563 check-in calls, proving to be the most successful single mission vet check session held since the pandemic.
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Details can be found online at nyc.gov/vetcheck.