Borden Avenue Veterans' Shelter (NYC) Report 2026
Part 21: Articles / Borden Avenue Veterans' Residence
Articles and Documents — Borden Avenue / Pena
This section contains articles written by Timothy Pena documenting conditions at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, including public safety concerns, financial accountability, veterans' rights, and government oversight. Based on firsthand experience, research, and public records, these articles chronicle years of advocacy and efforts to improve the treatment of homeless veterans in New York City. Listed from most recent to articles from the "Be the Story" series while he was a resident of Borden Avenue Veterans' Shelter.
September 14, 2026. “A Bittersweet Ending: An Opportunity to Build Something Better for Veterans Is Squandered.” Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Examines the termination of the Veterans Affairs Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, the loss of federally supported transitional housing, and concerns about shelter conditions, financial accountability, and the future of homeless veterans' services in New York City.
July 12, 2026. “The Hidden Price of Crisis: Emergency Calls at Veterans Shelter May Have Cost Taxpayers More Than $90 Million.” Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Analyzes approximately 1,365 emergency calls at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence between August 2024 and December 2025, estimates their financial impact on taxpayers, and examines public safety, nonprofit expenditures, veterans' well-being, and the need for independent oversight.
July 4, 2026.“Report: Questions Raised Over New York City's Only Federally Funded Veterans Transitional Housing Program." Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Examines approximately 1,365 emergency calls, more than 70 arrests, shelter expenditures exceeding $9.2 million, and concerns about financial accountability, public safety, VA program compliance, and government oversight at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence.
June 17, 2026. "1,365 Emergency Calls and More Than 70 Arrests Renew Questions About Safety at Borden Avenue Veterans' Residence" Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Examines emergency calls and police responses at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, documenting concerns about violence, overdoses, resident safety, and the financial burden on New York City emergency services, while raising questions about shelter management and government oversight.
May 24, 2026. “The Veterans We Refuse to See: Mental Health, Homelessness, and the Cost of Being Ignored.” Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Examines the neglect of homeless veterans in New York City, including mental health challenges, inadequate veteran-specific housing, exclusion of women veterans and families, and the failure of government agencies and advisory boards to prioritize homelessness. Highlights how institutional neglect discourages veterans from self-identifying and seeking assistance.
October 26, 2025. “Donations Diverted: City Faces Scrutiny Over Borden Avenue Veterans Residence.” Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Investigates allegations of diverted donations, restrictions imposed on charitable organizations, and inadequate oversight at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. Documents Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 being denied entry after refusing to sign nondisclosure agreements, concerns about donated clothing and food not reaching residents, and allegations of retaliation against veterans who report misconduct.
November 27, 2025. "A Call to Action for Veterans: Before It’s Too Late." Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Calls for immediate City Council oversight hearings, whistleblower protections and another veteran-exclusive GPD facility.
August 5, 2025. “NYC Illegally Denies Transportation and Basic Services to Honorably-Discharged Veterans, Despite Federal Funding.” Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Investigates allegations that Borden Avenue Veterans Residence denied VA-eligible veterans transportation to medical appointments despite receiving federal Grant and Per Diem funding. Documents restrictions on transportation assistance, deteriorating building conditions, inadequate nutrition, limited community access, and concerns about compliance with federal requirements and government oversight.
December 6, 2024. "A Tale of Two Transitions: The Forgotten Veterans of Borden Ave" Veterans Justice Project/The Forgotten Veteran, Pena, Timothy. Comparative examination of the two GPD programs, including program purpose, food, facilities, housing resources, security, community engagement, federal funding and enrollment.
September 22, 2024.“Be the Story: NYC Department of Veterans Services in Crosshairs.” Pena, Timothy. Investigative article documenting allegations of violence, drug overdoses, inadequate security, and limited transitional housing resources at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. Examines the NYC Department of Veterans Services' oversight, VA Grant and Per Diem program compliance, shelter expenditures, and allegations of retaliation against veterans reporting unsafe conditions.
February 21, 2024. “Despite an In-House Culinary School, Borden Ave. Veterans Still Fed Cold Rice and Green Beans.” Veterans Justice Project, Pena, Timothy. Documents inadequate meals, restricted kitchen access, and limited food donations at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence despite an on-site culinary training program. Compares conditions with MANA House in Phoenix and raises concerns about food expenditures, nutritional services, and the prioritization of security spending over veterans' basic needs.
January 12, 2023.“Be The Story: Just Give Me the Damn Fish.” Pena, Timothy. Documents additional concerns involving housing delays, access to HUD-VASH and VA resources, conditions at Borden Avenue and Pena's advocacy while transitioning from homelessness.
January 9, 2023. “Be the Story: Homeless to Homeness: 154 Days.” Pena, Timothy. Discusses the purpose of the VA Grant and Per Diem program and contrasts that transitional mission with Pena's reported experiences involving safety, nutrition, sleep and access to resources at Borden Avenue.
January 6, 2023. “Be the Story: Borden Avenue Veterans’ Residency: Summary of Experience Reveals Abusive Environment.” Pena, Timothy. Firsthand report documenting five months at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, including violence, overdoses, inadequate food, restricted access to resources, and delays in HUD-VASH housing assistance. Compares conditions with MANA House in Phoenix and recommends improvements to veterans' safety, transitional housing, employment opportunities, and supportive services.
November 27, 2022. “Be the Story: HUD/VASH Program Making the Homeless Veterans Suffer." Pena, Timothy. Firsthand article written while Pena was residing at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence; documents reported emergency responses, housing delays, food and living conditions, and the experiences of veterans residing at the facility.
November 24, 2022.“Be the Story: Veterans in Transition Need Access to Resources.” Pena, Timothy. Documents concerns regarding food, donated clothing, laundry, employment preparation and other resources available to transitioning veterans.
November 19, 2022.“Be the Story: Veterans in Transition Need Resources.” Pena, Timothy. Firsthand article documenting restricted access to computers and library resources at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, including missed employment opportunities and barriers to completing applications, preparing résumés, and accessing essential services during the transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
November 17, 2022.“Be the Story: Creating Employment Opportunities: Program Stymied by NYC Department of Homeless Services.” Pena, Timothy. Firsthand article documenting restricted access to computers, internet services, and library facilities at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, resulting in missed employment opportunities and barriers to job applications, résumé preparation, and vocational training. Highlights the importance of technology access and veteran-to-veteran assistance in successfully transitioning from homelessness to employment and permanent housing.
August 25, 2022. “Be The Story: Borden Ave Veterans Residence.” Pena, Timothy. Firsthand account written while residing at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, documenting shelter intake procedures, transfers between cubicles and open sleeping bays, VA Grant and Per Diem eligibility, and access to HUD-VASH housing assistance. Describes early experiences navigating New York City's homeless veterans' services and transitional housing programs.