For veterans experiencing homelessness and eligible for benefits from the Veterans Affairs, the Grant & Per Diem transitional program is a Congressional program and funded by VA through awarding of grants that is paying NYC Dept of Homeless Services and Institute for Community Living $68.64 a day for each veteran and required to provide:

§ 61.2 Supportive Services—General

Recipients (BORDEN AVE) must design supportive services. Such services must provide appropriate assistance, or aid participants in obtaining appropriate assistance, to address the needs of homeless veterans. The following are examples of supportive services:

• Outreach activities;
• Providing food, nutritional advice, counseling, health care, mental health treatment, alcohol and other substance abuse services, case management services;
• Establishing and operating child care services for dependents of homeless veterans;
• Providing supervision and security arrangements necessary for the protection of residents of supportive housing and for homeless veterans using supportive housing or services;
• Assistance in obtaining permanent housing;
• Education, employment counseling and assistance, and job training;
• Assistance in obtaining other Federal, State and local assistance available for such residents including mental health benefits, employment counseling and assistance, veterans' benefits, medical assistance, and income support assistance; and
• Providing housing assistance, legal assistance, advocacy, transportation, and other services essential for achieving and maintaining independent living.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2011, 2012, 2061)

Questions have been raised about the level of care provided to veterans transitioning into sustainable housing in the NYC shelter system. Although the preceding questionnaire is provided to determine specific needs for transitioning veterans to receive the best possible access to resources for a successful outcome, veterans who feel that they are not being provided the standards required as stated above are encouraged to write an anonymous letter by scanning the provided QR code to link to the online questionnaire and letter form.

The mission of Veterans Justice Project is to assist the homeless and justice-involved veteran with as many resources and as many options available for a successful transition. Many veterans suffer from chronic homelessness, drug/alcohol dependence, and mental illness which makes the struggle that more difficult.

Whether transitioning from active duty, homelessness, or imprisonment back to the civilian world, these few veterans are entitled to a safe, drug-free environment of which to transition. It is imperative that our Veterans Affairs and other veteran-oriented agencies are providing the best possible successful outcome and we are committed to holding into account these organizations delegated to provide these services and resources. 

Please take a few minutes to answer this short survey and provide additional comments on current living conditions and access to resources as part of an ongoing investigation into possible misconduct by the NYC Department of Homeless Services and Institute for Community Living. Please be sure to reach out with any additional questions.

Warm regards,

Timothy Pena

Veterans Justice Project