Transitioning from homelessness, active-duty, or from incarceration without that safe space can be distressing not just for those veterans on the street, but also those in shelters and transitional programs who are seeking sustainable housing and personal stability. Many veterans are eligible for homeless benefits through Veterans Affairs, but a substantial number of veterans are not eligible for VA benefits because of discharge status or VA restrictions. Veterans who have served in the Reserves or the National Guard are generally not eligible for VA benefits if they become homeless unless they also suffer a VA disability or served deployed for combat. Estimates that as many as 70% of veterans do not self-identify as veterans either because of prior bad experience with Veterans Affairs or other veterans. Fortunately, most communities have general public transitional programs with an emphasis on supportive services and housing placement.
SSVF and Transitional Services for Veterans
Transitional Services
The VA Grant and Per Diem Transitional Program
The GPD program is VA’s largest transitional housing program for Veterans experiencing homelessness and is permanently authorized under Public Law 109-461. Since 1994, the GPD Program has awarded grants to community-based organizations to provide transitional housing with wraparound supportive services to assist vulnerable Veterans move into permanent housing. According to Veterans Affairs, the GPD Program, “is offered annually (as funding permits) by the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund community agencies providing services to Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Section 604 of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, Public Law 110-387, authorized VA to develop the SSVF Program.
Supportive services grants have been awarded to selected private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to eligible Veteran families that are designed to promote housing stability.
Additional Transitional Programs
Following are other Veterans Affairs transitional programs available at various locations around the country. For the VA-eligible veteran seeking a program, when making the decision to relocate or in transition, it is recommended to seek out those programs and contact them directly to see what each awardee provides as resources including availability. Each program includes a link to a list of awardees.
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Community Transitional Housing Programs / New York City
Transitional housing programs provide temporary housing with supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) community projects can cover housing costs and accompanying supportive services for program participants for up to 24 months. Participants in a transitional housing project must have a signed lease, sublease, or occupancy agreement with the following requirements:
• An initial term of at least one month
• Automatically renewable upon expiration, except by prior notice by either party
• A maximum term of 24 months
Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ)
For the last 45 years, BVSJ has serviced thousands of veterans, their families, and the community. BVSJ was founded to assist the often-marginalized black veteran but has grown into an organization that offers programs and services to all veterans and the community. The Veterans Service Center (VSC) serves as a vital resource hub, offering a wide array of program services designed to facilitate the seamless transition of military personnel from active duty to civilian life. Committed to supporting our nation’s heroes at every stage of their journey, the VSC provides comprehensive assistance to military personnel, veterans, and their families across various crucial areas. Our dedicated team offers personalized guidance and support to navigate the complexities of post-military life, ensuring access to essential resources and opportunities for success.
665 Willoughby Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: (718) 852-6004
Contact: Ray Wade
Email: raywade@bvsj.org
The Bowery Mission has served homeless and hungry New Yorkers since the 1870s, when its neighborhood came to define the term “skid row.” Today, The Bowery Mission is a results-oriented organization that is recognized as one of New York City's most effective. The Bowery Mission exists to promote the flourishing of New Yorkers overcoming homelessness and marginalization by providing compassionate services and transformative community.
90 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor,
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 1-800-BOWERY-1
Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services CDC, Inc.
Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services CDC, Inc. (Bronx NHS), with a long presence in the Bronx. It provides financial, pre-purchase & post-purchase education & counseling, grants, mortgage facilitation, affordable loans, and free tax services. It also provides training to empower Bronx residents to become self-sufficient. Bronx NHS promote investment in our communities to enable individuals and families to preserve and improve Bronx Neighborhoods, their Homes and their Future. To accomplish our mission, Bronx NHS collaborates with corporations, local organizations, and government entities. In addition, Bronx NHS board members are local residents.
1451 Gun Hill Road, 2nd Fl
Bronx, NY 10469
Office: 718-881-1180
Fax: 718-881-1190
info@bronxnhs.org
Bowery Residents' Committee, Inc. (BRC)
BRC combines client-centered care with a commitment to professional management & organizational responsibility. Our Outreach Teams listen, motivate, and seek to understand the person underneath the trauma. Over time, we build trust and relationships with clients so that the individual is ready to seek lasting shelter and safety.
131 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (917) 597-3891
Contact: Marcus / Theresa
BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger Bronx community. In all aspects of our work, BronxWorks strives for the highest ethical and performance standards. We are guided by the belief that people must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their present situation or past experiences.
60 E. Tremont Ave.
Bronx, NY 10453
Phone: (646) 393-4000
Email: info@bronxworks.org
New York City Department of Veterans’ Services / Veterans Only
To honor the sacrifice of New York City Veterans, Mayor Bill de Blasio created the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) on April 8th, 2016, making DVS the first standalone City agency in the country dedicated to serving Veterans and their families. Veteran Resource Centers are satellite offices staffed by DVS employees who are ready to connect Veterans and their families to benefit assistance and other essential services.
Manhattan Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, Suite 2213
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 416-5250
Contact: Lamarr Wheeler
From our beginning as a shelter for families in Brooklyn, we’ve expanded to become a leader in the fight against homelessness. Today, we serve people of all backgrounds, including families, individuals, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with health challenges and disabilities, and seniors. We provide shelter to meet people’s immediate needs, as well as support to succeed as individuals, as families, and as communities.
815 Burke Ave,
Bronx, NY 10467
Phone: (646) 619‐3277
Jericho Project / SSVF Program
Jericho Project is a nationally-acclaimed nonprofit ending homelessness at its roots by enabling homeless individuals and families to attain quality housing, employment and mental and physical health services. The 40 year old nonprofit serves over 3,000 individuals, including over 700 veterans, annually. Jericho has been a key partner in New York City’s initiative to end veterans’ homelessness, and is leading bold, innovative strategies to do the same for families and young adults.
Veterans Program
39 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Telephone: 646-970-7170
Email: ssvf@jerichoproject.org
Project Renewal’s mission is to end the cycle of homelessness by empowering individuals and families to renew their lives with health, homes, and jobs. 80% of chronically homeless adults struggle with mental illness, substance use disorder, or both, and fragmented treatment exacerbates their harsh reality: a revolving door of emergency rooms, jails, shelters, and the streets. We provide award-winning emergency, transitional, and permanent housing to more than 3,900 homeless New Yorkers a year, including veterans and families.
200 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212.620.0340
Samaritan Daytop Village is nationally recognized for its work with military veterans and provides comprehensive services for today's returning male and female service members. A pioneer in veteran-specific treatment for more than 30 years, we currently administer three residential treatment facilities exclusively for veterans struggling with chemical dependency, post-traumatic stress and other challenges.
138-02 Queens Boulevard
Briarwood, NY 11435-2647
Phone: (718) 206-2000
Services for the UnderServed / SSVF
Services for the UnderServed (S:US) envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. Founded in 1978, S:US works with over 37,000 individuals and their families every year to create pathways to rich and productive lives by offering housing, employment, skills-building, treatment, and recovery services.
Services for the UnderServed
463 7th Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212-633-6900
info@sus.org
Transitional Services for New York, Inc.
Transitional Services for New York, Inc. (TSINY) is a comprehensive, community-based mental health organization located in New York City. We provide a continuum of rehabilitative services to enrich the lives of those recovering from mental illness and facilitate their transition to increased levels of independence.
Transitional Services for New York, Inc
90-27 Sutphin Blvd,
Jamaica NY 11435
Phone: (718) 526-8400, ext.7186
Contact: Andrew Luong
Email: andrew.luong@tsiny.org
Volunteers of America / SSVF Program
Homelessness is not hopelessness. Working together for brighter futures behind every door. Guided by the experience of more than 16,000 professionals living and working to make life better in their local communities, our plan for today and tomorrow is clear: transform lives by improving the health, happiness, and stability of our communities.
349 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY 1045
Phone: (718) 993‐3564
Contact: Malia
The Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration
The Center provides peer counseling by Veterans and nonclinical support specifically designed to help Veterans reintegrate into their communities. Sometimes all someone needs is camaraderie and time around like-minded individuals offered through the Center’s free programs, workshops and services. Veterans who may require further assistance, we help them access additional community services.
727 Grant Ave.
Lake Katrine, NY 12449
Phone: (845) 481-4004
Contact: Gavin Walters
Email: info@hvncvr.org
Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project
Named to honor the memory of an Iraq war hero from Mount Sinai, NY, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Project is a peer-to-peer program for Veterans facing the challenges of PTSD and TBI. Launched in 2012 as a pilot partnership, the Dwyer Project takes a confidential, one-on-one, peer-to-peer approach that has rapidly captured the attention and support of both veterans and mental health professionals.
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: (631) 853-8345
Contact: Nancy Tappin
Email: vetspeertopeer@suffolkcountyny.gov
Vets4Warriors
Vets4Warriors is the nation’s leading 24/7 military peer support program staffed by veterans. We provide immediate, confidential, ongoing support to every member of the US military community. Phone: (855) 838-8255
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Section 604 of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, Public Law 110-387, authorized VA to develop the SSVF Program. Supportive services grants have been awarded to selected private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to eligible Veteran families that are designed to promote housing stability.
SSVF programs provide outreach and case management services and assist participants to obtain VA benefits and other public benefits. SSVF services include housing counseling, legal services, benefits advocacy, rental and utility assistance, childcare support, moving and storage costs, and transportation. If it is determined that there is not a need for ongoing financial assistance, and there is a Grant and Per Diem Case Management grantee in your community, then the Veteran household should be referred to this grantee for ongoing (up to 6 months) case management. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to eligible Veteran families that are designed to promote housing stability. To receive supportive services under this program:
• Must be a member of a veteran family.
• There must exist a documented housing crisis, either street/shelter homeless or documented imminent risk of becoming street or shelter homeless in 30 days or less.
• Proof that all other resources have been tried and denied, and “but for” the temporary financial assistance from SSVF, the Veteran will not become permanently housed or will return to homelessness in 30 days or less.
Most all SSVF programs that serve transitioning veterans also provide sustainable and supportive housing services to the community-at-large, only with reduced services and for those experiencing certain conditions such as domestic violence, mental illness or drug/alcohol abuse.
The Forgotten Veteran Resource Guide is a collaboration of Veterans Affairs, veteran - centric organizations, and public and community agencies to provide transitional resources and supportive services to transitioning veterans experiencing homelessness with the objective of obtaining sustainable housing and personal wellness. Are you a veteran or do you know of a veteran in need of resources or supportive services? Please click: Veterans Resources Questionnaire
The Forgotten Veteran for providers is a comprehensive guide that amasses all the resources and supportive services in one place. For resource and service providers that would like to have their information added to The Forgotten Veteran website or inclusion in the resource guide, please click: The Forgotten Veterans Provider's Questionnaire