Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $14 Million In Federal Funds To Support Homeless Veteran Families In New York City And On Long Island

Sep 1, 2016

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $14,074,580 in federal funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for seven organizations in New York City and Long Island that provide services to low-income, at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants are being provided under the VA’s Support Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program, which helps Veteran families around the nation who are permanently housed or transitioning to permanent housing. The SSVF grant program provides access to crucial services to prevent homelessness for Veterans and their families.

“Even one homeless veteran is one too many. These brave men and women put life and limb on the line to protect our country and it is our responsibility to look out for them when they return from active duty,” said Schumer. “This smart federal investment will provide our at-risk veterans with the resources they need to ensure they have a place to call home. We owe it to our veterans to ensure they can find affordable, safe housing and stay off the streets after protecting the many freedoms we know and cherish.” 

“These federal funds will give at-risk veterans access to resources and support that can help them and their families find safe places to live and avoid homelessness,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “No man or woman who has served in our military should be homeless. I will continue to work with my colleagues to help veterans in need and make sure all of our veterans thrive and have the continued opportunity to contribute to society.” 

According to the VA, SSVF funding helps support outreach, case management and other assistance to prevent Veteran homelessness or rapidly re-house Veterans who become homeless. In FY2015, SSVF served more than 157,000 participants across the country.

The New York City and Long Island awardees include:

  • HELP Social Service Corporation, serving Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, has been awarded $1,562,907.
  • Samaritan Daytop Village, serving Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, has been awarded $2,002,660.
  • The Jericho Project, serving Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, has been awarded $2,569,321.
  • Volunteers of America-Greater New York, serving Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, has been awarded $1,494,691.
  • Services for the UnderServed, serving Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County, has been awarded $3,165,691.
  • Black Veterans for Social Justice, serving Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County has been awarded $1,968,614.
  • The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, serving Suffolk County, has been awarded $1,310,696.