New Era Veterans established the first “Veteran Specific” supported housing program for homeless and formerly homeless veterans who are eligible for housing under the New York/New York agreement. Presently we have a contract for 20 scatter site apartments throughout the five boroughs through the Office of Mental Health and Hygiene. Presently we are awaiting approval from OMH for an additional 18 apartments.
Approximately 25% of our SRO NY/NY tenants are ready to move into less supportive housing on an annual basis. Even though these veterans are receiving Veterans Disability, or Pension payments, Social Security or are gainfully employed find the difficulty to contend with the “Fair Market” rent rates. This is where NEV, Inc. sets the bookmark. The Supported Housing Program, like the SRO, has a 30% rent basis charge. Likely if the veteran is coming from any city owned SRO they will pay the same rent for a one bedroom or studio apartment. Nevertheless, the veteran is safe from increases in rent from year to year and is not responsible for paying initial security deposit. NEV, Inc. supplies the landlord or managing agent with the full security and rent monthly. The veteran is responsible for paying rent directly to NEV, Inc. This alleviates the possibility of the veteran being taken to court for non-payment, or other housing issues while under the umbrella of NEV, Inc. Additionally, the veteran is supplied with an initial housing allowance for the purchase of furniture. NEV has made great strides in the matter of working with local businesses, so the veteran is able to get what they need the first time!
Personal responsibility and continued support are strong focuses of Supportive Housing Program (SHP). We ensure that every veteran referred to the SHP is fully and personally responsible to take the next step to further independent living. NEV continues supportive services via case management. Our experienced team visits the newly placed veterans monthly initially and weans them into higher levels of independence. During these visits social, mental health, financial and transition services are provided. Although we have several tenants that have resided in the SHP for many years, there is always the option of further independent housing through the VA, NYCHA and private sectors.
Monthly group meetings take place at the Veterans Residence for all participants. Participants are involved in the groups even before they secure housing. At these meetings, issues that are common to all and possible resolutions will be discussed. In buildings where a number of participants are living, group meetings are established on a regular basis in the building. These meetings become the basis for a buddy system in which the veterans are able to call upon each other for support.
New Era Veterans is proud of our tradition of hiring our tenants in positions which do not involve access to sensitive clinical material. We will offer such employment opportunities to veterans in the Supportive Housing Program as well. Generally, these positions are in housekeeping and security. We encourage all eligible clients to apply for VA vocational rehabilitation if they receive disability or for VESID if they have no VA entitlement. We have a team of job developers who are creating employment opportunities for veterans who are ready to work. All of our team members offer help with resume writing and interview preparation.
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