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.
Weighing the Risks of SQUARES
Timothy Pena • March 22, 2025
Continued NYC Corruption Affecting Veterans' Access to Housing and Resources
Veterans face numerous challenges when transitioning back into civilian life, especially when it comes to accessing housing and necessary resources. However, there are concerns that corruption within organizations such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and the Institute for Community Living (ICL) may be denying veterans the support they desperately need. If corruption is present, the consequences could be severe—not only for the veterans but for the integrity of the systems designed to help them.
One possible risk is the misuse of veterans' personal data, especially through systems like SQUARES (System for Quantitative Assessment and Reporting of Eligibility and Services). If data is manipulated or exploited for personal gain, veterans may be wrongfully denied housing or other services. The VA has faced criticism in the past for mishandling records, and if corruption influences the management of veterans' information, it could result in delays or denials of housing assistance.
The SQUARES is a system used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to facilitate the exchange of real-time status information regarding veterans’ benefits. It allows different organizations—such as state agencies, local governments, and other federal entities—to query the VA system to verify a veteran’s eligibility for various benefits or services.
The system is primarily used to provide timely and accurate responses to queries regarding veterans’ eligibility for healthcare, education, housing, and other VA programs. It is a tool that helps streamline processes and ensures veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Similarly, corruption within DHS could result in veterans being denied housing or forced to endure long delays. Caseworkers are responsible for processing applications, including those for veterans relying on programs like CityFHEPS and HUD/VASH. If corrupt practices interfere, veterans could be overlooked or given lower priority, leaving them homeless or in overcrowded shelters.
The Institute for Community Living (ICL) could also be a factor if corruption leads to the misallocation of resources or falsification of records. This would further hinder veterans’ ability to access housing and care, potentially leading to neglect of their needs.
If corruption is influencing these systems, it’s crucial to improve oversight, transparency, and accountability. Veterans deserve access to the support they’ve earned, and any misuse of resources or information only compounds their struggles.
