New York State Department of Veterans’ Services announced the launch of a Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund, designed to assist the state’s veterans who are confronting emergency housing needs and lacking the funds to cover the immediate costs, placing them at significant risk for homelessness.
Eligible veterans will be able to receive up to $2,000 to cover their emergency housing expenses.
New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) 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 a non-service-connected pension.
“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,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen. “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.