Timothy Pena, a Navy veteran with PTSD, provides an insightful account of his experiences within veterans' housing programs, specifically Borden Avenue Veterans' Residency in New York City. Pena compares the facility unfavorably to MANA House in Phoenix, highlighting the chaotic and unsupportive environment at Borden Avenue. The facility, housing around 250 veterans with diverse needs, suffers from poor living conditions, inadequate food, and a lack of privacy. Frequent incidents of violence, drug overdoses, and interactions with law enforcement contribute to an unsafe atmosphere.
Pena also points out the administrative challenges at Borden Avenue. Veterans face confusion due to a lack of consistent case management, with multiple agencies involved but no clear point of contact. This results in barriers to accessing housing, employment, and support services. He suggests implementing a dedicated "veteran navigator" to guide veterans through the system and help them secure needed resources.
New York City's veteran housing system is currently failing to provide the necessary care and support for the men and women who served in the military. This has been most evident in the mismanagement of shelters like the Borden Avenue Veterans’ Residence (BAVR), a key facility for veterans in the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, which was designed to offer transitional housing. Recent investigations have revealed systemic issues including unsafe conditions, exploitation, and a lack of resources for veterans.
The Borden Avenue shelter, meant to provide stability, has become a hotspot for violence, drug abuse, and neglect. Many veterans report inedible food, unsafe security measures, and inadequate access to essential services such as mental health and employment resources. The shelter, managed by nonprofit organizations contracted by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), has been plagued by corruption, nepotism, and conflicts of interest. Shelter executives are receiving excessive salaries—some exceeding $500,000—while veterans' needs remain unmet. Additionally, high-risk offenders are housed with vulnerable veterans, further endangering their well-being.
One of the most disturbing aspects is the exploitation of veterans by unaccredited organizations. Groups like the US Patriot Fund and SOS Veteran Assistance operate within BAVR, preying on veterans for financial gain by offering fraudulent disability claims assistance. This practice violates veterans' rights and leaves them exposed to exploitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is aware of the situation but has failed to take action, allowing these unethical organizations to continue their harmful activities.
An investigation by the NYC Department of Investigation revealed that up to 20% of veterans in the GPD program are not properly accounted for, with many being incorrectly marked as "successful exits" even though they have not secured stable housing. This data failure masks the true extent of the crisis, leaving thousands of veterans stranded in a system that is supposed to help them transition to permanent housing.
Furthermore, veterans in need of donations are being blocked from accessing support. During a recent coat drive, officials were forced to sign non-disclosure agreements before entering the shelter, and donations meant for veterans were kept from them, with staff taking much of the resources for themselves.
To address these critical issues, there is an urgent need for increased oversight, transparency, and accountability within the system. Proposed reforms include regular audits of veteran housing facilities, stricter controls on unaccredited organizations, and the establishment of mobile outreach units to directly connect veterans with resources. Veterans deserve safe, structured environments where they can rebuild their lives, not be subjected to exploitation and neglect. It is time for the city to fulfill its duty to those who served and ensure that they are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
Pena also points out the administrative challenges at Borden Avenue. Veterans face confusion due to a lack of consistent case management, with multiple agencies involved but no clear point of contact. This results in barriers to accessing housing, employment, and support services. He suggests implementing a dedicated "veteran navigator" to guide veterans through the system and help them secure needed resources.
To improve conditions, Pena recommends separating veterans in transition from those with severe mental health or substance abuse issues. He also advocates for more flexible housing assignments and enhanced mental health support, including counseling and relaxation areas. Overall, Pena stresses the need for individualized care, focusing on the long-term goal of financial stability and successful integration into civilian life.