New York State Department of Veterans’ Services today announced the launch of a Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund, designed to assist New York State’s Veterans who are confronting emergency housing needs and lacking the funds to cover these immediate costs, thus placing them at significant risk for homelessness. Eligible Veterans will be able to receive up to $2,000 apiece to cover their emergency housing expenses.
New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services is ready to receive and process applications immediately from Veterans whose housing needs may include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Emergency financial assistance to a Veteran whose home was badly damaged in a fire or natural disaster;
- Renovating a Veteran’s home that is no longer accessible due to the onset or worsening of a disability;
- Gaining temporary shelter when a Veteran suddenly loses access to their home or a Veteran’s home becomes no longer safely habitable;
- Replacing or repairing an essential home appliance that has been destroyed or severely damaged (e.g., furnace, water heater, etc.);
- Covering rent, utilities, or property tax payment that a Veteran missed due to illness or emergency;
- Any other payment that the Commissioner determines to fall within the purview of the program.
To qualify for these emergency funds, an applicant must be a Veteran living in New York State and facing an immediate housing hardship. An applicant must also have a personal net worth equal to or below the net worth limit established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to assess eligibility for non-service-connected pension.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “No person who served our country should ever face homelessness or housing insecurity. As a United States Marine Corps Veteran myself, however, I know that too many Veterans across our nation confront these hardships. If a Veteran faces these challenges, they need a battle buddy to step up and walk the road ahead with them. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the creation of this Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund, New York State will be that battle buddy for the Veterans of the Empire State.”
The Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund will initially be operated as a pilot program through 2024. During this period, a total of $200,000 in emergency housing assistance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the conclusion of the pilot phase, DVS will assess the program’s usage and determine the most effective means of continuing to provide emergency housing assistance to New York’s Veterans.
DVS Veterans Benefits Advisors are currently standing by to receive and process applications, which are available at www.veterans.ny.gov/veterans-emergency-housing-program.
About the Department of Veterans' Services
The New York State Department of Veterans' Services, which has served as the state's advocacy agency for veterans, service members, and military families since 1945, maintains an agencywide commitment of serving all veterans, service members, and military families in a wide range of practice areas, including claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or its website to meet — in person or virtually — with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to address their needs and gain the full measure of benefits that they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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