James Hendon
0:13:26
As we continue to address as we continue our efforts to address veteran homelessness, it is critical to acknowledge the larger trends influencing the homeless veteran population in New York City.
0:13:36
Several key factors contribute to the ongoing challenges we face, including the migration of out of state rep veterans seeking support from New York City, the introduction of new federal tools like the status query and response exchange system, squares, and evolving housing and economic conditions.
0:13:53
New York City has long been recognized for its robust social safety net and veteran specific social serve support services, making it an attractive destination for veterans experiencing homelessness from across the nation.
0:14:03
Unlike many other states, New York City offers a more comprehensive range of benefits including mental assistance, health care access, food security programs, and legal services, many of which are accessible regardless of prior residency.
0:14:16
Additionally, the availability of veteran specific housing programs such as HUD VASH and City FEPPS combined with strong local partnerships between city agencies and veteran service organizations has made the city a national leader in veteran homelessness reduction efforts.
0:14:29
However, this reputation is all also presents unique challenges as we see a growing trend of veterans from out of the state arriving in New York City specifically to seek these resources.
0:14:39
Many of these individuals are ineligible for federal VA benefits due to discharge status, length of service, or other criteria, making them more reliant on city and state level assistance programs.
0:14:49
This influx of new of new veterans places additional strain on our homeless shelter system, case management resources, and housing subsidies underscoring the need for increased funding and interagency coordination to ensure that all veterans, of where they come from, receive the support they need to achieve housing stability.
0:15:05
It is important to note that New York City proudly has the most liberal definition of a veteran in the country.
0:15:10
A person who has served in the armed forces is a veteran in the eyes of the City Of New York regardless of their length of service, component of service or active duty guard reserve, and character of discharge.
0:15:20
Putting this all together, the DVS housing support services team estimates that each year roughly thirty five percent of the veterans we serve did not live in New York City One Year prior to becoming homelessness becoming homeless.
0:15:32
A sizable population elected to move here after housing insecurity was on the horizon.
0:15:37
And to repeat something that was already mentioned, forty percent of all homeless veterans in New York City are not eligible for VA health care.
0:15:44
One of the most significant advancements in veteran homelessness intervention has been the integration of the VA's Status Query and Response Exchange System or SQUARES into the workflow of DHS.
