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Commissioner Hendon outlines DVS goals and capabilities
0:50:23
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136 sec
Commissioner James Hendon details the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) goals and capabilities, focusing on desired end states in veteran homelessness, VA claims assistance, and employment support.
- DVS aims to reach 'functional zero' in veteran homelessness, reducing the current count from 624 to 400.
- The agency is working to close the gap in VA claims, with NYC currently at 20.1% of veterans having a VA rating compared to 31.2% nationally.
- DVS is preparing to support over 4,500 veterans who may become unemployed due to federal government reductions in force.
James Hendon
0:50:23
To speak about it in terms of capabilities, because there's a better way to put it, like, as far as speaking of it in terms of desired end states, kind of help, and let that paint the picture as far as reverse engineering.
0:50:32
One desired end state is to get the functional zero with veteran homelessness.
0:50:35
Right now, our point in time count is six twenty four homeless veterans, and to get to 400 is a goal.
0:50:41
So when we look at the team that Lamar runs, each of his folks, they have about 12 to 15 move outs per quarter.
0:50:46
So what we can do to kind of get there and stay there as far as functional zero on veteran homelessness, that's one piece.
0:50:52
So looking at having enough staff to maintain Another one is closing this gap we spoke to as far as Mike's team when it comes to VA claims.
0:50:58
You know, recognizing that you're you're trying to move from having its forgive me the number.
0:51:04
Here we go.
0:51:05
It's thirty one point two percent of all veterans has a VA rating at the federal nationwide.
0:51:10
We're down to 20.1% here in New York City.
0:51:12
So whatever it takes to have enough capacity to cover that gap as far as the number of veterans who can get their claims filed, and you wanna put an asterisk there to account for burials or folks who pass away, making sure that the family knows what burial benefits to take care of or that the veteran can, you know, preempt those things.
0:51:28
I think those are key pieces as far as when we try to drive that components.
0:51:31
Another component on the employment side, it's I'll take right now, for instance.
0:51:36
Forgive me not having the exact number, but it's a little over four 4,500 veterans in New York City whom we estimate may wind up becoming unemployed due to reduction forces in New York City in federal government.
0:51:46
So if you look at the federal reduction forces happening, we foresee over 4,500 veterans not having jobs.
0:51:52
If you look at the number of working age vet working class veterans working age veterans, and you look at the fact that one out of 10 veterans works for the federal government, and you see a target of roughly 75% reduction in force.
0:52:03
And so we need to be able to have the resources to embrace them on an entrepreneurship side or on an employment side.
0:52:09
So for me, when I look at these things, it's really with a focus to how do we have enough bodies to get to functional zero?
0:52:14
How do we have enough folks to at least close the gap on the services piece?
0:52:17
How do we have enough folks to it's not just about the near term of a reduction of forces, but to receive a strong flow of veterans who may have employment needs, recognizing difference between us and SBS.
0:52:28
We will get you a job that is 40,000 or more.
0:52:30
SBS, right now, it's more of an hourly job.
0:52:32
You know, $19 an hour is their median amount.
0:52:34
So thinking of it in those ways as far as what we're trying to target when we speak to growth.