New York City Mayor to Veterans: Let Them Eat Cake

Timothy Pena • January 23, 2025

Mayor Adams Tells Veterans No Funding. Puts Financial Burden on Veterans Affairs While Migrants in Hotels

New York City is home to over 200,000 veterans—men and women who have served our country in war and peace. Yet, despite their sacrifices, these individuals face an uphill battle in accessing the services they need to thrive. From healthcare and housing to mental health support and job training, funding for veteran services has been grossly inadequate.


Meanwhile, in a city that prides itself on inclusivity, the government’s priorities seem to have shifted. While migrants are receiving increased support, New York City’s veterans are ignored, with Mayor Eric Adams refusing to increase funding for their care.

A Stark Contrast: Migrants vs. Veterans

The current situation in New York City reveals a glaring discrepancy in how different groups are treated. Mayor Adams has made it clear that migrants, particularly those seeking asylum, are being given top priority. Resources are allocated quickly to support their resettlement, with new shelters, food, and medical services being rapidly established to accommodate the influx. Yet, when it comes to the city’s own veterans, the response is different.



Councilman Robert Holden recently addressed Mayor Adams, calling for increased funding for veteran services, only to be met with a dismissive response. Mayor Adams refused to take action, instead placing the blame on the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, suggesting that the federal agency should be the one to provide resources. This refusal to address the issue at the city level reveals a troubling lack of empathy and a complete disregard for the struggles of veterans. To make matters worse, many veterans in New York City aren’t eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits and programs, leaving them without any services.

Veterans Are Blocked from Community Engagement

The city’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and Institute for Community Living (ICL) are another barrier that veterans face. Rather than facilitating opportunities for veterans to engage with their community, the DHS and ICL actively block them from accessing services that could help them reintegrate into civilian life while collecting millions of taxpayer dollars from Veterans Affairs. Instead of being welcomed into city programs and support networks, many veterans find themselves isolated in violent shelters, unable to receive the help they need to rebuild their lives.


Veterans’ needs are diverse and complex, yet they are continually marginalized in favor of other groups who are receiving a disproportionate share of resources. This stark contrast between the treatment of migrants and veterans is not only unjust but also deeply troubling for a city that claims to prioritize equity.


The Impact of Leadership's Neglect

The indifference shown by Mayor Adams and the failure of the DHS to provide adequate support for veterans cannot be overlooked. Veterans are being told, in no uncertain terms, that their struggles are secondary. The Mayor’s response to Councilman Holden’s request—placing the responsibility on the VA—shows a complete lack of leadership and accountability. The reality is that veterans' services in New York City are chronically underfunded, and while the VA is responsible for federal programs, the city has an obligation to provide adequate support to its veterans.


This failure to act is not just a policy issue—it is a moral one. Veterans, who have risked their lives for this country, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Yet, instead of being prioritized for services, they are neglected, dismissed, and ignored.

A Call to Action: Demand Better for Our Veterans

The current system is broken, and it is clear that veterans in New York City are being left behind. Mayor Adams must stop passing the buck and take responsibility for ensuring that veterans have the support they need. It is unacceptable that while resources are quickly allocated for migrants, veterans continue to be blocked from essential services.


The public must demand that our leaders prioritize veterans' well-being, ensuring that they have access to housing, healthcare, job training, and community engagement opportunities. Veterans have already given so much for this country—it’s time the city of New York gave back by providing the care and resources they deserve.

Conclusion

As the city of New York provides resources to migrants, it is critical that we don’t forget the veterans who helped shape this country. Mayor Adams’ refusal to increase funding for veterans’ services is an injustice that cannot continue. The Department of Homeless Services' barriers to community engagement only exacerbate the problem. It’s time for the Mayor and the city to step up and take responsibility. Veterans should no longer be treated as an afterthought. They deserve the care and respect that every citizen is entitled to—and it’s time for the city to deliver.

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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