AGENCY TESTIMONY
Conclusion and contact information for DVS
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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 among all stakeholders
- Encourages reaching out to DVS for assistance with legislative ideas
- Provides important deadlines:
- City Council discretionary funding applications due February 19 at 5 PM
- Community board application deadlines for various boroughs
- Offers contact information for the Department of Veterans Services:
- Phone: (212) 416-5250
- Email: connect@veterans.nyc.gov
- Social media: @nycveterans
- Website: nyc.gov/vets
James Hendon
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We don't want any homeless veterans in New York City, America, or the world.
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That said, I am happy, along with our DHS colleagues, have a stronger handle on exactly who our homeless veteran population is or are.
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We are the first major city in America to do this, screening all adult shelter clients for veteran status.
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I give eternal credit to the DHS assistant commissioner Sonia Russell, DHS administrator Jocelyn Carter, and DSS commissioner Molly Wasau Park for making this decision.
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I encourage you and all social service providers to do the same.
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Who knows how many veteran military families you've already served in the past?
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You just didn't know it.
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Once you do know, you will be surprised at how many of our brothers and sisters come into the light when you simply talk to them and address it.
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Once again, the website for VA Squares is va.gov/homeless/squares.
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DVS is happy to advise any city council member, government agency, or nonprofit social service provider looking to leverage this asset.
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In conclusion, the commitment by New York City to combat veteran homelessness through collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal resources is essential for providing stable housing, supportive services, and ensuring the well-being of veterans who have served the nation.
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We recognize that the path to achieving this success lies in fostering effective communication and synergy amongst all stakeholders, city, state, and federal, public, private, and nonprofit.
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Furthermore, by working collaboratively and transparently, we can ensure that our city thrives, prospers, and provides a brighter future for all who call it home, especially our veterans and their families.
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Together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive New York City that benefits every member of our diverse and vibrant ecosystem.
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I urge you all to please reach out to me or our senior adviser for intergovernmental affairs, Jason Lachran.
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Please view us as a tool to help navigate your legislative ideas and act as an optimizer to historic and future success.
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As an aside, I'd like to remind all who hear these remarks that the deadline to apply for city council discretionary funding is today, February 19 at 9PM at 5PM.
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Excuse me.
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February 19 at 5PM.
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Please visit nyc.gov/vetcouncilfunding to learn more.
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Nyc.gov/vetcouncilfunding.
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Separately, the deadline to apply to join one's community board for those who live in Manhattan is February 28.
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Deadline for those who live in The Bronx is March 9.
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There is no deadline for Staten Island residents.
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Applications to join Richmond County community boards are rolling.
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The deadline to apply to join community boards in Queens and Brooklyn this year has already passed.
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It was on February 14.
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Please visit nyc.gov/vetcommunityboards to learn more.
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Nyc.gov/vetcommunityboards.
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Lastly, the New York City Department of Veterans Services can be reached by telephone at (212) 416-5250.
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It's (212) 416-5250.
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Email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
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It's connect@veteransatnyc.gov.
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Via social media.
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The handle is at n y c veterans.
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It's at n y c veterans.
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And online, it is nyc.gov/vets.
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N y c Gov / vets.
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Thank you.
Robert F. Holden
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Thank you, commissioner, and thank you for speed reading at this point.