New York City Council
Committee on Veterans
Feb 19, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 22 min
Summary
A hearing on addressing the needs of homeless veterans in New York City.
Discussions focused on:
- Progress in reducing veteran homelessness
- Challenges in transitioning veterans from shelters to permanent housing
- Improving conditions at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence
- Strategies to better identify and serve veterans in the shelter system
Recommendations included:
- Implementing RTM therapy for PTSD treatment
- Establishing veterans committees on community boards
- Improving job training opportunities
- Addressing the needs of female homeless veterans
Features testimony from the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Holden's opening remarks on veteran homelessness and related legislation
Council Member Robert F. Holden delivers opening remarks for a hearing on homeless veterans in New York City. He introduces several pieces of legislation related to veterans' affairs and outlines …
0:00:00
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4 min
Introduction and overview of the hearing on homeless veterans
Commissioner James Hendon of the NYC Department of Veterans Services introduces the hearing on meeting the needs of homeless veterans in New York City. He acknowledges the committee members and …
0:05:18
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39 sec
Progress in reducing veteran homelessness in NYC
Commissioner Hendon outlines the significant progress made in reducing veteran homelessness in New York City since joining the federal government's Mayor's Challenge in 2014. - New York City saw an …
0:05:58
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77 sec
DVS Housing and Support Services program and Veteran Housing Coordinators
Commissioner Hendon details the DVS Housing and Support Services (HSS) program and the role of Veteran Housing Coordinators in assisting homeless veterans. - Since 2016, DVS has helped over 1,400 …
0:07:15
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73 sec
Federal, state, and local housing subsidy programs for veterans
Commissioner Hendon outlines the various housing subsidy programs leveraged by DVS to assist homeless veterans at federal, state, and local levels. - Federal programs: HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive …
0:08:28
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38 sec
HUD-VASH Collaborative Case Management (CCM) program
Commissioner Hendon details the HUD-VASH Collaborative Case Management (CCM) program, a crucial partnership for housing veterans ineligible for VA health care. - HUD-VASH CCM allows veterans ineligible for VA health …
0:09:06
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74 sec
Aftercare services and Critical Time Interventions for housed veterans
Commissioner Hendon outlines the aftercare services and Critical Time Interventions (CTIs) provided to veterans after they are housed. - All veterans housed by DVS have access to aftercare follow-up services …
0:10:20
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42 sec
Jurisdictional differences between DVS, DSS, DHS, and HRA
Commissioner Hendon clarifies the roles and jurisdictions of various agencies involved in addressing veteran homelessness in New York City. - DHS manages the city's overall homeless shelter network, including intake, …
0:11:02
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71 sec
Borden Avenue Veterans Residence: NYC's dedicated homeless shelter for veterans
Commissioner Hendon describes the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, the only dedicated homeless shelter for veterans in New York City. - Provides veteran-specific supportive services such as benefits navigation, peer mentorship, …
0:12:13
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73 sec
Challenges with out-of-state veterans seeking support in NYC
Commissioner Hendon addresses the challenges posed by the influx of out-of-state veterans seeking support in New York City due to its comprehensive social services. - NYC's robust social safety net …
0:13:26
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147 sec
Implementation of VA's SQUARES system for identifying veterans
Commissioner Hendon details the integration of the VA's Status Query and Response Exchange System (SQUARES) into the workflow of the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). - SQUARES is a web-based …
0:15:54
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91 sec
Current statistics on homeless veterans in NYC and the goal of functional zero
Commissioner Hendon presents current statistics on homeless veterans in New York City and discusses the goal of reaching 'functional zero'. - The number of veterans in NYC's shelter system has …
0:17:25
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47 sec
Suggestions for City Council involvement in addressing veteran homelessness
Commissioner Hendon offers three key suggestions for how the City Council can help address veteran homelessness: - Discretionary funding: - Provide funding for nonprofits working with justice-involved veterans - Focus …
0:18:12
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160 sec
Conclusion and contact information for DVS
Commissioner Hendon concludes his testimony by emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing veteran homelessness and provides key information and deadlines. - Stresses the need for effective communication and synergy …
0:20:53
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176 sec
Council Member Inna Vernikov introduces legislation on veteran housing preferences
Council Member Inna Vernikov presents Introduction 465, a bill requiring HPD to report on federal veteran preference in Mitchell-Lama developments. She explains the rationale behind the bill, highlighting the importance …
0:24:17
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138 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions Commissioner James Hendon on veteran housing and services
Council Member Sandy Nurse engages in a Q&A session with Commissioner James Hendon of the NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) regarding housing and support services for homeless veterans. They …
0:26:44
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4 min
Discussion on supportive housing vacancies and transitions for veterans
Council Member Holden and Associate Commissioner Russell discuss the availability and utilization of supportive housing for veterans. They address the surprising vacancies in some supportive housing locations and the transition …
0:30:55
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92 sec
Tracking veterans after leaving supportive housing
Council Member Holden inquires about tracking veterans after they leave supportive housing, and Associate Commissioner Russell explains the current limitations in follow-up procedures. - DHS does not currently track veterans …
0:32:27
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63 sec
Coordinated Assessment and Placement (CAP) survey for veterans
Associate Commissioner Russell explains the Coordinated Assessment and Placement (CAP) survey used to determine veterans' eligibility for supportive housing services. - The CAP survey is completed to assess veterans' eligibility …
0:33:31
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97 sec
Veterans' desire for independence and larger living spaces
Council Member Holden raises concerns about veterans' desires for independence and larger living spaces after being in supportive housing for some time. - Many veterans express a desire to move …
0:35:09
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70 sec
Accessibility of forms for homeless services
Council Member Holden raises concerns about the accessibility of forms for homeless services, particularly for disabled individuals or those with transportation issues. - Council Member Holden points out that some …
0:36:18
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82 sec
Outreach and engagement with street homeless veterans
The discussion focuses on how DVS and DHS coordinate to track and engage with street homeless veterans. - DVS deploys to locations where homeless veterans are reported and verifies their …
0:37:40
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145 sec
Assessment process for determining appropriate veteran services
Executive Director Wheeler explains the assessment process used to determine appropriate services for veterans. - The assessment includes evaluating the veteran's active duty service and current needs - Assessments are …
0:40:05
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76 sec
Process for transferring identified veterans to appropriate services
Associate Commissioner Russell explains the process for identifying and transferring veterans within the shelter system to appropriate services. - The SQUARES system is used to identify veterans throughout the shelter …
0:41:21
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170 sec
Conditions and improvements at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence
Council Member Holden and Associate Commissioner Russell discuss recent improvements and ongoing concerns at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. - 233 individual pods have been installed to provide privacy for …
0:44:12
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4 min
Staffing and medical services at Borden Avenue shelter
Associate Commissioner Russell provides information about the staffing and medical services available at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. - The shelter has a medical nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse …
0:48:33
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75 sec
Frequency and nature of client meetings at shelters
Associate Commissioner Russell explains the requirements and procedures for client meetings at shelters, including Borden Avenue. - Shelter providers are required to meet with residents at least twice a month …
0:49:48
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97 sec
DVS involvement and liaison at Borden Avenue shelter
Commissioner Hendon explains the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) involvement and presence at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. - DVS staff have desk space at Borden Avenue, allowing for a …
0:51:25
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32 sec
Turnover rate and move-outs from Borden Avenue shelter
Commissioner Hendon and Executive Director Wheeler provide information about the turnover rate and move-outs from the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. - Each housing coordinator facilitates about 12 to 15 move-outs …
0:51:57
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53 sec
Potential for job training and union partnerships for veterans
Council Member Holden discusses the potential for job training programs and partnerships with unions to benefit veterans at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. - Many veterans at Borden Avenue are noted …
0:52:51
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124 sec
Length of stay in veteran homeless shelters
Council Member Kristy Marmorato inquires about the average length of stay for veterans in homeless shelters. Officials from the Department of Veterans' Services and Department of Homeless Services provide detailed …
0:54:56
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113 sec
Challenges in transitioning veterans from shelters and the need for supportive housing
Council Member Kristy Marmorato shares a personal experience about her uncle's challenges in shelters and success in supportive housing. The discussion highlights the complexities of transitioning veterans from shelters to …
0:56:49
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80 sec
Job opportunities for veterans in shelters
Council Member Kristy Marmorato inquires about job opportunities for veterans within the shelter system and after leaving shelters. Officials from the Department of Homeless Services and Department of Veterans' Services …
0:58:09
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78 sec
Increase in veteran homelessness and use of SQUARES system
Council Member Robert F. Holden questions the reason for the reported increase in veteran homelessness in 2024 despite existing programs and supports. Commissioner James Hendon from the Department of Veterans' …
0:59:27
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67 sec
DVS's advocacy role and handling of veteran complaints
Council Member Holden inquires about DVS's advocacy role and how they handle issues such as conditions at transitional housing sites. Commissioner Hendon explains that DVS is not an advocacy organization …
1:00:36
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91 sec
Future plans and improvements for reducing veteran homelessness
Council Member Holden asks about immediate policy changes or new programs that could effectively reduce the number of homeless veterans in the city. Commissioner Hendon discusses several ideas for improvements …
1:02:09
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3 min
Challenges with donating items to veteran shelters
Council Member Holden raises concerns about the bureaucratic process required for donating items to veteran shelters, particularly the need for donors to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Associate Commissioner Russell explains …
1:05:44
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150 sec
Council member concerns about restricted access to homeless shelters
Council Member Paladino expresses frustration with the restrictions on council members' access to homeless shelters, highlighting how it hinders their ability to check on shelter conditions and interact with residents. …
1:08:14
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108 sec
Explanation of shelter access policies and privacy concerns
Associate Commissioner Russell explains the rationale behind shelter access policies and addresses privacy concerns raised by council members. She emphasizes the need to balance accessibility with protecting shelter residents' privacy …
1:10:02
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84 sec
Potential improvements for Borden Avenue Veterans Residence
Council Member Holden asks Associate Commissioner Russell about potential improvements for the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, building on previous suggestions and seeking additional ideas for enhancing the shelter experience for …
1:11:26
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3 min
Discussion of proposed legislation related to veteran services
Commissioner Hendon provides his thoughts on several proposed bills related to veteran services, discussing potential benefits and challenges associated with each piece of legislation. - Intro 465: Requires HPD to …
1:14:45
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5 min
Debate on establishing veterans committees on community boards
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon engage in a debate about Intro 684, which proposes establishing veterans committees on all community boards. They discuss the potential benefits and concerns associated …
1:19:56
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3 min
Confirmation of veterans indicator in CAPS system
Associate Commissioner Russell confirms the existence of a veterans indicator in the CAPS (Client Assistance and Program Services) system, addressing a point of concern raised earlier in the discussion. - …
1:23:43
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10 sec
Testimony by Francesca DiPaola, CEO of Homes for Veterans, on Improving Conditions at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence
Francesca DiPaola, CEO of Homes for Veterans, provided testimony on improving conditions at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. She shared insights from her recent visit and offered suggestions for addressing …
1:26:22
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5 min
Testimony by Armando Crescenzi, Veterans Advocate, on Veterans Homelessness and Street Vending
Armando Crescenzi, a veterans advocate, speaks about the importance of street vending as an opportunity for homeless veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. He emphasizes that work is crucial for veterans in …
1:32:19
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69 sec
Council member redirects discussion to focus on veteran homelessness
Council Member Robert F. Holden interrupts the speaker to redirect the conversation to the main topic of the hearing, which is veteran homelessness. He emphasizes the need to address the …
1:33:28
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8 sec
Discussion on veteran homelessness and street vending as a path to self-sufficiency
Council Member Holden and veterans advocate Armando Crescenzi engage in a discussion about veteran homelessness and the potential of street vending as a path to self-sufficiency for veterans. Crescenzi argues …
1:33:36
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3 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Veteran Issues and City Council Behavior
Christopher Leon Johnson provides passionate testimony supporting Intro 685 and criticizing council member Sandy Nurse's behavior. He discusses issues faced by veteran street vendors, including harassment and unfair ticketing, while …
1:36:50
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3 min
Testimony by Timothy Pena, Founder of Veterans Justice Project, on Veteran Homelessness and Shelter Issues
Timothy Pena, founder of Veterans Justice Project, provided testimony on his personal experience with veteran homelessness and issues within the Borden Avenue shelter. He highlighted problems with the supportive housing …
1:40:56
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5 min
Testimony by Joe Bello, Member of the Public
Joe Bello, a member of the public, provides testimony highlighting several concerns and observations about veteran housing and services in New York City. He emphasizes the need for more clarity …
1:46:16
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3 min
Discussion on mental health services and counseling for veterans at Borden Avenue shelter
Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a discussion with Joe Bello, Timothy Pena, and others about the mental health services and counseling provided to veterans at Borden Avenue shelter. …
1:49:53
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117 sec
Testimony by Raul Rivera, TLC Driver and Advocate
Raul Rivera, a TLC driver and advocate, expresses support for veterans and raises concerns about communication issues with council members and access restrictions at City Hall. - Mentions family members …
1:51:53
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79 sec
Veteran vendors pushed out of Hudson Yards
Council Member Holden engages with Raul Rivera about the issue of veteran vendors being pushed out of Hudson Yards. Holden offers to help address the situation with the police department …
1:53:15
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59 sec
Parks Department ticketing veteran vendors
Council Member Holden discusses with Raul Rivera the issue of the Parks Department issuing numerous tickets to veteran vendors. Holden offers to address this concern through the parks committee. - …
1:54:14
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78 sec
Testimony by Melissa del Valle Ortiz on Homelessness Among Female Veterans
Melissa del Valle Ortiz, a former homeless veteran, testified about the lack of attention to female veterans in discussions about veteran homelessness. She emphasized the unique challenges faced by female …
1:55:36
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74 sec
Council member acknowledges lack of focus on female veterans
Council Member Holden acknowledges the oversight in discussing female veterans and promises to gather more information on the topic. - Agrees that female veterans have not been discussed in the …
1:56:50
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21 sec
Discussion on lighting conditions at Borden Avenue shelter
Council Member Holden responds to concerns about fluorescent lighting at the Borden Avenue shelter and its potential impact on veterans' mental health. - Acknowledges the point about fluorescent lighting causing …
1:57:11
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41 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Improving Support for Homeless Veterans
Sharon Brown passionately advocates for immediate and comprehensive support for homeless veterans, arguing against long shelter stays and proposing direct housing placement, business ownership opportunities, and retroactive compensation for time …
1:57:53
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3 min
Testimony by Alex Stein, Member of the Public
Alex Stein criticizes the City Council's approach to veteran homelessness, arguing that illegal immigrants receive better treatment and resources than veterans in New York City. - Compares the living conditions …
2:01:08
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165 sec
Council member addresses inappropriate comments
Council Member Kristy Marmorato responds to inappropriate comments made by Alex Stein during the hearing. She calls for an apology and states that the comment was inappropriate.
2:03:58
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51 sec
Council member manages hearing and introduces next speaker
Council Member Robert F. Holden takes control of the hearing, cutting off Alex Stein and introducing the next participant.
2:04:49
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45 sec
Testimony by Dr. Jeanine Costley, Senior Vice President of Transitional Services at Institute for Community Living, on Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health Services
Dr. Jeanine Costley from the Institute for Community Living (ICL) testified about the challenges and efforts in addressing veteran homelessness and mental health issues in New York City. She highlighted …
2:05:35
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3 min
Council member praises ICL's Downtown Brooklyn facility
Council Member Robert F. Holden expresses gratitude to Jeanine Costley and commends the Institute for Community Living (ICL) for their Downtown Brooklyn facility. He mentions his recent visit to the …
2:09:02
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17 sec
Discussion on roof repairs at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence
Council Member Robert F. Holden inquires about the status of roof repairs at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. Jeanine Costley from ICL provides an update on the ongoing efforts to …
2:09:19
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86 sec
Testimony by Dr. Ariane Ling, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health
Dr. Ariane Ling testified in support of Intro 1171, which proposes research on PTSD treatments for veterans. She highlighted the work of the Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health …
2:11:03
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3 min
Council member inquires about waiting list for veterans at NYU
Council Member Holden asks Dr. Ling about the current status of the waiting list for veterans at NYU. Dr. Ling responds that there is a brief waiting list for couples …
2:14:12
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22 sec
Council member highlights benefits of RTM therapy for veterans
Council Member Holden shares positive information about Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) therapy, emphasizing its potential benefits for veterans. He offers to connect Dr. Ling with Dr. Burke, who developed …
2:14:34
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33 sec
Testimony by Michael Moreno, Vice President of Chapter 126 of Vietnam Veterans of America, on Homeless Veterans Essential Needs Shop
Michael Moreno, a Vietnam Veteran and Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 126, shares information about a new Homeless Veterans Essential Needs Shop at the New York Veterans …
2:15:13
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90 sec
Testimony by Deirdre Rice-Reese, Assistant Vice President of Residential Treatment at Samaritan Daytop Village
Deirdre Rice-Reese, representing Samaritan Daytop Village, provided testimony on the organization's efforts to address veteran homelessness in New York City. She highlighted their comprehensive approach to tackling the root causes …
2:17:23
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3 min