Mayor Eric Adams marches within the 2-2024 Veterans Day Parade.
Picture by Gabriele Holtermann
Mayor Eric Adams and Division of Veterans’ Providers Commissioner James Hendon have unveiled a sweeping set of initiatives to safe housing stability and increase job alternatives for New York Metropolis’s 210,000 veterans.
The announcement, made through the kickoff of Veterans and Service Members’ Week and Nationwide Navy Appreciation Month, underscores the administration’s dedication to those that have served. “Our veterans and service members put their lives on the line for our country, fighting to defend our way of life — that’s why our administration will always have their backs,” mentioned Mayor Adams.
The four-pronged plan contains legislative advocacy, homeownership help, improved entry to inexpensive housing, and focused employment assist. “Today, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice by taking concrete steps to support those who returned home,” mentioned Commissioner Hendon. “Streamlined access to housing and expanded employment support directly translate into a stronger, healthier veteran community.”
First, the Adams administration is renewing its push for the Chilly Warfare Veterans Property Tax Exemption. This measure would grant property tax aid to roughly 11,000 Chilly Warfare-era veterans, with a median good thing about $938 per 12 months.
Assist for Intro No. 0740-2024, a invoice at the moment earlier than the Metropolis Council, would convey New York Metropolis according to the remainder of the state.
Second, a brand new partnership with the Hebrew Free Mortgage Society and the State of New York Mortgage Company introduces interest-free loans for veteran homebuyers. Eligible veterans can obtain as much as $30,000 in zero-interest loans, repayable over 5 years, to assist shut the affordability hole and anchor households of their communities.
Third, the administration has streamlined housing entry for disabled veterans. Candidates can now have their incapacity standing licensed immediately by a supervisor on the Division of Veterans’ Providers or the VA, making the NYC Housing Join course of sooner and extra accessible.
Lastly, since January 2025, almost 100 veterans have obtained one-on-one assist navigating job modifications, together with résumé help and job matching. The initiative targets these affected by federal workforce shifts and goals to assist veterans construct sustainable careers.