A Tale of Two Transitions: Advocating for Veterans in NYC Shelters

Timothy Pena • January 14, 2025

Department of Homeless Services Failing Veterans

Navy veteran Timothy Pena's journey from Phoenix, Arizona, to New York City illustrates the severe challenges faced by veterans in the city's shelter system. His experiences highlight critical gaps in veteran support programs, including the federally funded Veterans Affairs Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing program.
Transitioning to NYC: A Search for Stability
In July 2022, Timothy Pena relocated to New York City, seeking a fresh start and mental health support. As a veteran with service-connected PTSD and prior experience in veteran transitional programs, he believed the GPD program in NYC would provide a safe and supportive environment. Unfortunately, his expectations were shattered upon entering the Borden Avenue Veterans’ Residence, a facility plagued by violence, drug use, and inadequate services.

Despite being a federally funded program designed to aid veterans in their transition to stable housing, the Borden Avenue shelter fell short of its mandate. Veterans reported inedible food, negligent security, and a lack of community engagement. Many experienced threats, and the presence of Level 2 and 3 sex offenders further exacerbated safety concerns.

Widespread Mismanagement in NYC Shelters
The issues at Borden Avenue are part of a broader problem within NYC’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS). A January 2024 investigation by the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI) revealed alarming financial mismanagement and misconduct across the shelter system. Findings included:
• Conflicts of Interest: Shelter insiders profiting from nontransparent business dealings.
• Excessive Executive Compensation: Executives earning over $500,000 annually from public funds.
• Nepotism: Hiring family members in violation of contracts.
• Lack of Competitive Bidding: Procurement processes that bypassed city rules.

These systemic failures, combined with inadequate oversight of the GPD program, have left veterans vulnerable and underserved.

A Broken System for Veterans


The GPD program, sanctioned and funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is intended to offer veterans transitional housing, counseling, and employment services. However, reports from the VA’s Office of Inspector General reveal that one in five veterans “disappear” from these programs. Alarmingly, these cases are often mislabeled as successful discharges, hiding the reality of veterans’ unmet needs.


Pena’s experiences further underscore this dysfunction. During his five-month stay at Borden Avenue, he endured conditions unfit for rehabilitation. Even though his apartment was ready for occupancy, bureaucratic delays kept him in the shelter, exposing him to unnecessary risks.


Personal Advocacy and Solutions

Pena’s advocacy work has shone a light on the urgent need for reforms in how veterans are supported. His efforts include:

• Veterans’ Mobile Stand Down Proposal: This initiative aims to address gaps in veteran services by providing a mobile unit for outreach and transportation. The unit would connect veterans to VA services, community events, and essential resources, while also serving as a safe space during evenings.

• Testimonies and Awareness Campaigns: Pena has shared his story through articles, public testimonies, and collaborative projects on veteran suicide prevention.


The Way Forward

Reforming veteran support in NYC requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Improved Oversight: Increased transparency and accountability in the administration of veteran housing programs.

2. Enhanced Safety Measures: Ensuring shelters are safe, drug-free, and equipped with trained security personnel.

3. Holistic Support Services: Providing veterans with access to mental health care, job training, and community engagement opportunities.

4. Advocacy and Partnerships: Supporting initiatives like the Mobile Stand Down Proposal and fostering collaborations between veteran organizations and local governments.


Conclusion

Timothy Pena’s journey underscores the resilience of veterans navigating systemic failures and the pressing need for reform. His story is a call to action for policymakers, community organizations, and the public to prioritize the well-being of those who have served their country. By addressing the gaps in veteran care and holding systems accountable, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind.

Timothy Pena is a service-connected disabled Navy veteran for PTSD and has written about his experiences with mental health, homelessness, and the judicial system. Suffering mental illness, he initially visited NYC to collaborate on a documentary for veteran suicide but decided to stay after realizing he would rather be homeless in NYC than dead in Phoenix. He has been writing stories and blogs about his journey from “homeless to homeness” in the NYC Dept of Homeless Services system and possible corruption within DHS and Veterans Affairs Grant & Per Diem Transitional Program. 
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