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New York City Council
Oversight - Veterans Homelessness in New York City
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Staff welcomes attendees to the joint Committee on Veterans and General Welfare hearing, asks everyone to silence electronic devices, and states that no one should approach the dais.
Morano welcomes a packed room, expresses excitement for the joint hearing with General Welfare, and says he sought the Veterans chairmanship to help people who often do not get the help they deserve.
Morano introduces Chair Hudson, notes their political differences but shared commitment to veteran homelessness, cites 140,000-150,000 New Yorkers needing help, and reports homeless veterans dropped from 1,558 in 2015 to 697 in 2025 but rose from 482 in 2022.
Morano discusses conditions at Borden Avenue, uncertainty over VA grant and per diem funding, the city's decision to opt out, and the need to avoid disruptions; he then lists Intro 1051, Intro 0897, Res 0560, and Res 0634.
Morano acknowledges Hudson's partnership on the oversight hearing and thanks legislative counsel, analysts, and staff for preparing, then turns the floor to Hudson.
Hudson jokes with Morano about their similarities and differences, welcomes veterans, families, caregivers, service providers, and advocates to the hearing.
Hudson notes approximately 700 homeless veterans in NYC, calls the number unacceptable, aims to hear from providers and advocates, and recounts her Borden Avenue visit with Commissioner Dalton, saying veterans are not getting what they deserve.
Hudson thanks the administration, Morano, colleagues, advocates, veteran service organizations, and committee staff, then returns the mic to Morano.
Morano thanks Peter Spencer, acknowledges Councilmembers Wong, De La Rosa, and Paladino, and praises Paladino's advocacy for joint hearings on veteran issues.
Paladino explains Res 0560 to allow veterans to use VA home loan benefits for co-ops, cites Grace Meng's federal bill and her parents' WWII loan, then calls Borden Avenue a disgrace and notes the city budget provides only $6.5 million for veterans.
Morano thanks Paladino, acknowledges Councilmembers Wilson, Nurse, Aviles, and Ung, and turns to committee counsel, who administers the affirmation to the administration witnesses and reminds them to state their names for the record.
Mata introduces herself as DVS Commissioner, says housing is fundamental, recognizes shared responsibility for veterans, and describes veteran homelessness as varied, with DVS providing an end-to-end housing approach and maintaining a presence at Borden Avenue.
Mata describes vouchers including HUD-VASH, CityFHEPS, and Section 8, DVS's role navigating agencies, placements growing from 55 in FY22 to 209 in FY26, aftercare contacts through 22 months, and prevention coordination with partner agencies.
Mata says DVS will emphasize faster housing pathways, landlord relationships, eviction prevention, aftercare, and equitable access for women, LGBTQ+, older, and disabled veterans; she concludes by supporting the intent of Intro 1051 and deferring to the Department of Finance.
Dalton introduces herself as DSS Commissioner, introduces Deputy Commissioner Sonia Russell, notes over 200,000 veterans in NYC, and says the city has one of the lowest veteran homeless rates in the country.
Dalton describes how DHS identifies veterans at intake, verifies status, places single men at BAVR, offers women veterans two ICL shelters with set-aside beds, and prioritizes families with children near schools.
Dalton says the VA-funded GPD program at BAVR ended, there is no longer separate VA eligibility, and DVS, VA, and SSVF continue on site while DHS's Veterans Service Unit connects veterans to services.
Dalton says the GPD grant was reduced 70% from 154 beds and $4 million to 44 beds and $1.3 million, included terms conflicting with city and state anti-discrimination laws, so DHS declined and is using city tax levy funds to cover the gap.
Dalton says ICL has run BAVR since 2008, 173 veterans were housed in FY25 and 141 in FY26, serious incidents dropped 44%, 911 calls dropped 48%, and complaints and transfer requests also declined.
Dalton says the BAVR Community Advisory Board meets quarterly, house meetings are held twice monthly, and she held a listening session with about 20 veterans who gave positive and negative feedback on conditions, security, and services.
Dalton outlines a $4.3 million roof and skylight replacement scheduled for 2027-2029, a $2.9 million flood wall, shower privacy partitions to be installed in six to eight weeks, and efforts to improve food and use the commercial kitchen.
Dalton notes that AA, NA, and other on-site programs paused during COVID and never restarted, and says DHS is working to simplify the process for outside providers and volunteers to return to BAVR.
Dalton says Intro 897 would require outreach every two hours overnight and quarterly reports, and while DHS supports reporting, it has concerns about flexibility and the bill's alignment with the current Code Blue approach.
Dalton says DHS now canvasses all people on the street during extreme weather rather than only a known vulnerable list, tested during Code Red with over 2,000 engagements, and says the bill would limit this approach.
Dalton says DSS is committed to quality care for veterans and will continue helping them find permanent affordable housing, thanks the council, and welcomes questions.
Morano asks why the city did not accept $1.3 million for 44 beds to reduce taxpayer burden; Dalton says the grant terms would violate state and local laws and, as a new agreement, could not be amended with objections.
Morano asks if veterans will live under tarps until 2029; Dalton says seven sleeping areas are offline, roof work starts June 2027, and she will look at expediting the timeline.
Morano calls the barrack-style showers prison-like and asks for a hard date; Dalton says ICL will install partitions in six to eight weeks, with some showers completed earlier.
Morano notes serious incidents dropped 44% and 911 calls dropped 48%, asking what changed; Russell attributes the decline to ICL collaboration, proactive meetings, and DHS on-site presence, and says reporting standards were unchanged.
Morano notes 231 capacity but only 168 residents and asks why 63 beds are empty; Dalton says 198 are filled as of today, DHS is moving veterans from other shelters, and seven units are offline due to tarps.
Hudson asks for the timeline on the long-term shelter capacity plan and safe haven sites; Dalton says a homelessness plan is forthcoming within a year and the city is not actively considering new sites until then.
Hudson asks if the administration will support the nonprofit ownership model and appropriate funds for new street homeless sites; Dalton says all of that will be covered in the forthcoming homelessness plan.
Hudson asks if OMB cost concerns delayed or denied street homeless sites; Dalton says she knows of no such delays, is working with OMB on the plan, and does not know if OMB has visited shelters.
Hudson asks for a 30-day written update on the shelter capacity plan, nonprofit ownership, and barriers to safe haven projects; Dalton commits to an update on status but not the plan itself.
Won says she represents the only veteran shelter, calls communal showers inhumane, and notes partitions are promised in six to eight weeks; she then asks how many beds are offline due to leaks, and Dalton says seven, with Won noting they will be offline for two years minimum.
Won says residents report mistreatment by ICL staff, lack of substance abuse and mental health services, and mandatory NDAs for elected officials; she thanks Dalton for speaking directly with veterans.
Paladino asks Dalton how long she has been commissioner and about her prior experience, says she seems like a deer in headlights, and raises many concerns about Borden Avenue.
Paladino asks the cost to fix the roof; Dalton says $4.3 million for the entire roof and skylights, and Paladino asks about square footage and roof layers, which Dalton does not know.
Paladino compares $1.86 billion for migrants to veterans' subhuman conditions, demands 990s from nonprofits, criticizes NDAs, and says she is embarrassed and will keep pressure on the administration.
Morano describes being asked to sign an NDA before visiting Borden and says council attorneys called it a patient confidentiality form; Dalton explains DHS policy PB 2026-001, state social services law 136, and NYC identifying information law, saying it protects resident privacy but not building conditions.
Wilson acknowledges the difficult job, cites a Gothamist report on high outreach spending and poor results, and asks how to improve coordination among outreach workers and agencies.
Wilson asks if results focus on engagements rather than placements; Dalton says placements are tracked for contracted outreach and acknowledges the need for more accountability.
Wilson asks why 311 street homelessness reports moved from NYPD to DHS; Dalton says DHS can better determine encampments and use the data to target outreach strategically.
Wilson asks who does initial assessments after 311 calls; Dalton says it could be contracted outreach or DHS employees, agrees different skills and clinicians are needed, and notes work with the state SOS team.
Wong says he visited Borden with Julie Won, was told they needed DSS and mayor's office permission, entered anyway, and was told not to enter bathrooms or the library; he says problems were exposed because they did not sign NDAs.
Wong says tarps and buckets at Borden are unacceptable, says the flood wall implies long-standing flooding, criticizes DHS and the mayor's office as unaccommodating, and says a roof should not take three years.
Wong says the kitchen is subleased to a culinary school and veterans told they cannot participate; Dalton says spots are reserved and veterans can participate and will look into it; Morano then gives Wong extra time for his birthday and calls on Hudson.
Hudson says she has visited the shelter twice, criticizes colleagues for conflating city, state, and federal roles, says no shelter allows residents to cook their own food, and commends the administration's investment.
Hudson says ICL will testify later, hopes grandstanding members stay, acknowledges disappointing conditions, says the system does not work for the most vulnerable, and commits to continued oversight.
Morano says he disagrees with some characterizations of the federal government, notes five public panels, says federal, city, and state could all do more, and stresses there is no disagreement on ending veteran homelessness.
Morano asks how many of the 209 placed veterans are still housed; Donnie Smalls says all 209 are still housed and none returned to shelter, and Morano requests retention rates at 6, 12, and 24 months.
Morano asks if visits are atypical, cites a flyer warning residents to clean urine containers, and asks if he can visit unannounced; Dalton says current policy requires notifying DSS, and the coordinated visit with Hudson was unannounced to the provider.
Won asks for the difference between state and local laws and DHS policy, asks staff to read the law on record, and Dalton says the law is lengthy and can be cited, clarifying the NDA is about resident privacy, not building conditions.
Won asks why veterans are punished for the federal disagreement; Dalton says the city is covering the full cost of the shelter, DHS is responsible, and expenses will be reported in the future financial plan.
Won reports veterans complain of malnutrition, no kitchen access, and food confiscation; Dalton says no shelter allows cooking, and Russell says food standards are monitored, microwaves may be added, and outside food can be eaten in the cafeteria.
Won raises a conflict of interest in the cooking class contract and asks how many veterans can participate; Russell says slots are set aside, does not know the number, and says the food vendor is Healthy Beets.
Morano asks how many transgender veterans are in NYC or at Borden; Dalton says some exist but she does not have numbers, Mata says self-identification is an issue, and Orlando says there is no exact number.
Wong asks why veterans need bottles next to their beds; Dalton says no one reported bathroom safety issues, the bathrooms are typical, and the shower privacy concerns are being fixed.
Wong asks if DHS attends CAP meetings; Russell says yes, and Wong says residents raised issues with no action, says veterans want to cook because they are hungry, and criticizes culinary school access.
Wong asks for a breakdown of the 419 911 calls; Dalton says many are medical and will provide a breakdown.
Morano asks how long a roof repair would take in Pennsylvania; Dalton says she shares the concern, a new DHS administrator is reviewing the process, and they will look to expedite.
Hudson reads social services law 136 and city charter section 29, argues the law protects personally identifying information, and says the council has authority to investigate and should be able to make unannounced visits.
Hudson asks what equitable access looks like for women, LGBTQ+, older, and disabled veterans and whether veterans can choose a different shelter; Mata describes outreach with other agencies, roundtables, and DVS as a connector.
Smalls says the aftercare team maintains contact with housed veterans, identifies concerns early, and connects them to services.
Hudson asks about women at Borden; Russell says it was co-ed until 2018, is now all male, and women were transferred to another ICL facility; Hudson asks that the website be updated.
Hudson notes a 44% decline from 2015 to 2025 but a rise from 482 in 2022 to 697 in 2025 and asks about factors and strategies; Dalton cites a 93% decline in federal VASH vouchers and says federal disinvestment is hurting progress.
Hudson asks which boroughs have the highest concentrations; Dalton gives Bronx 24%, Brooklyn 23%, Manhattan 21%, Queens 12%, Staten Island 2%, and 17% with no verifiable address; Orlando adds districts 14, 15, and 31.
Hudson asks how veterans who do not initially disclose are identified; Russell says veterans self-report at intake, can disclose later, and DHS asks if they wish to identify and transfers single men to Borden if desired.
Hudson asks if HUD-VASH and supportive housing are sufficient; Russell says HUD-VASH vouchers have declined, the city prioritizes veterans for CityFHEPS, and uses supportive housing and one-shot deals.
Hudson asks how many veterans receive other subsidies; Dalton says of 414 subsidized placements in FY26, 41% were CityFHEPS, 26% HUD-VASH, 20% supportive housing, 5% one-shot, and 4% Section 8.
Hudson asks the average time in shelter before permanent housing; Dalton gives 281 days systemwide, 285 for single adults, 199 for adult families, and 269 for families with children.
Wong says the library funded by his predecessor was closed during his visit; Dalton says the library is lovely and functioning and a movie was announced there last night, while Wong says residents told a different story.
Morano asks the median days from request to move-in; Smalls says seven to eight months, and the longest step is obtaining documentation like birth certificates and IDs.
Morano notes 55 women veterans in shelter and asks if DSS assessed a dedicated facility for military sexual trauma; Dalton says it has not been assessed but is open to looking, and Russell says numbers have historically been low but may be revisited.
Morano asks the three most serious complaints from the Borden listening session; Dalton says food, showers, and security, and says ICL held a house meeting and is working on improvements; Morano then asks about the library portrait, and Hudson says staff identified him as someone who funded the library.
Morano says public testimony is the most important part, outlines decorum rules and five-minute speaking limits, notes written testimony is accepted, and calls Jody Rudin, Leroy Belton, and Anne-Marie Foster.
Morano thanks providers for their work, acknowledges complaints but appreciates staff effort, and invites Jody Rudin to begin.
Rudin introduces herself as ICL CEO, says the country can do better for veterans, notes the city owns the building and is funding roof and shower repairs, and says there are no leaks where residents sleep.
Rudin says Borden has 231 residents, 147 moved to permanent homes last year and 111 this year, 55% have gained or maintained employment since January 2026, overdoses are down 54%, and case managers and specialists are on staff.
Rudin says Borden is a 24-7 operation, 80% of clients report a positive experience, food is the biggest complaint, the vendor changed to Healthy Beets, monthly surveys are conducted, and more changes are being explored.
Rudin says bathroom privacy is not an issue, urine containers relate to medical conditions, food is not confiscated, and the culinary program has 20 slots and prioritizes Borden veterans, though no Borden clients are in the current cohort.
Morano asks about leaks and tarps; Rudin says the city owns the building, seven units are offline, the number fluctuates with rainfall, and the city patches the roof.
Morano asks about 231 capacity versus 168 residents; Rudin clarifies capacity is 231 and current census is south of 200; Morano asks about long-stayers, and Rudin says factors include restrictions and complex needs, with an average stay of eight months.
Hudson asks when ICL took over (2008) and when roof and shower issues were reported; Rudin says these have been ongoing conversations for years, and the funding amount and timeline were only known in recent weeks.
Hudson asks what repairs ICL can authorize without DHS approval; Rudin says physical plant issues go to DHS, superficial things like painting may be in ICL's purview, and even shower curtain rods required a DHS process.
Wong asks about library and computer access; Rudin says the library is open 24-7 and flyers will be posted; Wong asks why the culinary school can use the kitchen but veterans cannot, and Rudin says there is no cap on veterans and the commercial kitchen is not for resident cooking.
Foster introduces herself as Phoenix House CEO, describes veteran-specific residential and outpatient programs, collaboration with Borden, and says housing alone is not enough without behavioral health treatment.
Morano thanks Foster and calls Carmelo Stewart, Charles Warner, Philip Ventachingue, Rodney Sims, Matthew Weth, and Robert Poles.
Pauls says the VA and GPD office will not provide reports except through FOIA, information is not available until December, raises the lack of a dedicated women veterans residence, and refrains from presenting his proposal without data.
Silas thanks DVS staff, says he was displaced in November 2025 and had his own apartment by June, received PTSD services at James J. Peters Hospital, and is grateful for the help.
Warner says he was technically homeless living with his parents, became a security guard at a migrant shelter and then lived in a veteran shelter, says no caseworker asked about his plan, and describes rude treatment and systemic issues.
Morano thanks Warner and asks if his experience was one or two bad caseworkers or systemic; Warner says it is systemic due to overstressed staff and unwillingness to hear individual situations, and confirms he is now in permanent housing.
Weth says Borden is not a residence but a holding or detention facility, says management failures run from the top down, staff are unsupervised, and there is no accountability.
Weth says there are no windows, rooms are nine by six feet, noise echoes, he had six months of sleep deprivation, says a lawsuit is forthcoming, and recommends a paid veteran staff member to report to the council and public.
Morano apologizes for Weth's experience and asks what should be first on the agenda; Weth recommends a paid veteran on staff who has been through the system, criticizes grandstanding, and Morano offers to stay in touch.
Morano calls Kristen Miller, Graham Horn, Coco Culhane, and Derek Coy, and jokes about spoilers.
Horn introduces himself from NYLAG, supports Intro 897, opposes forced removals, describes shelter accessibility issues, curfews, policing, and the need for compassion.
Culhane says the city should have known the grant terms, suggests trans veterans are being used as cover, asks about performance and a sexual assault report, and says veterans choose the street due to addiction and safety concerns.
Morano asks if the city knew of federal conditions before applying; Culhane says one would think so but she does not know for a fact; Morano asks if Borden has improved, and Culhane says she has not visited recently and the council should listen to veterans.
Miller introduces Homeless Services United, says the DHS NDA policy hinders volunteers, interns, donations, and events, and says no other city agency has this requirement.
Miller says nonprofits face aging facilities and pending new need requests totaling nearly $1 billion, supports Intro 897, but warns against unfunded mandates on nonprofits.
Coy introduces himself as an Iraq War veteran and NY Health Foundation officer, says veteran homelessness is rising again, cites high suicide rates among homeless veterans, and recommends embedding suicide prevention and improving data.
Morano calls Michael Matos, Mike Matthews, Anthony Bird, Sharon White, Mike Munoz, and Angel Sansa.
Matos says Five Borough Veterans filed records requests, describes Borden conditions, council members being denied entry, a DVS satellite office on site, and asks why the city walked away from funding.
Munoz says the VA offered $1.3 million and the city turned it down, cites a bed decline from 154 to 8, and demands canceling the ICL contract, resignations of Dalton and Mata, a comptroller audit, and space for VSOs at Borden.
Matthews asks how the VA measured performance to reduce the grant, questions whether the refusal was based on redacted terms, notes VA policy on transgender care, and asks if ICL staff are veterans or trained in military culture.
Byrd says he is a former Borden resident, conditions need improvement, suggests a new building, says DVS staff helped him find housing but his landlord will not renew his lease, and describes kitchen and food restrictions.
Morano says the city should help before homelessness, offers his contact information, and asks about culinary program eligibility; Byrd says he was told residents could not participate.
Morano asks if there are veteran-community providers for future services; Matos mentions Jericho Project and Black Veterans for Social Justice, and Matthews mentions Phoenix House.
Wong asks if Byrd had library and computer access; Byrd says yes but there was no internet when he was there.
Hudson notes Commissioners Dalton and Mata are listening intently with their teams; Morano thanks the panel and calls Dr. Cleopatra Brown, Kevin Meggett, Joe Bellow, Jesse Figueroa, Ryan Graham, David Kelly, William Gibson, and Timothy Terrain.
Brown introduces herself as a Cold War Navy veteran and community board chair, supports Res 0560 to allow VA home loans for co-ops, describes H.R. 1803 and its 3.25% fee, and recommends a city initiative.
Graham introduces himself as VAB chair and VFW legislative leader, supports Intro 1051 and Resos 560 and 634, describes the property tax exemption history, says GPD funding must remain, questions the ICL contract, and suggests severing it.
Figueroa says he witnessed the Borden visit on October 1st, calls the treatment embarrassing, criticizes flagpole placement, demands organization leadership resign, and says veterans demand respect.
Meggett says being allowed to speak is not being heard, compares asylum seeker spending to the DVS budget, asks where the urgency is for veterans, and says DVS staff are not the target but elected officials must prioritize veterans.
Kelly introduces himself as a young Marine veteran, shares his mother's death and COVID funeral, describes his work as a veteran outreach specialist, and mentions harm reduction and an RFA contract for veterans.
Hudson asks about outreach and identifying veterans; Kelly says he talks to everyone, provides harm reduction services, gives referrals, and identifies veterans through conversation.
Gibson says he is a current Borden resident, has been there since February 2025, describes personal challenges, says Borden needs help but there is nuance, and discusses library access, food rules, and staff accountability.
Morano asks the biggest problem; Gibson says GPD funding allowed extra family time, staff have been understanding, urine containers help disabled residents, and maintenance cleans regularly.
Morano calls Joe Bellow and other names not yet heard and invites them to testify.
Bellow asks why the VA reduced funding and why the city rejected the reduced award without more discussion, says veterans and the LGBTQ community are being pitted against each other, supports Intros 1051 and Reso 560, and disagrees with Reso 0634's timing.
Morano asks if anyone else wants to testify, reminds the public about written testimony, and calls Leroy Becton.
Becton introduces himself as a disabled veteran and artist, describes homelessness after service, thanks the council for follow-up, and says taxpayer dollars and accountability are at issue.
Bissassar introduces himself as a retired Master Sergeant and Bronze Star recipient, a peer counselor at Borden since April 2024, and describes the aftercare program and community meetings.
Morano concludes in-person testimony, explains the remote testimony process, and calls Dr. Mecca Nelson.
Nelson introduces herself as a Gold Star spouse and VAB vice chair, says veterans describe showers like jail, calls for an independent review, veteran input, and a Tunnel to Towers location in NYC.
Johnson supports all the bills, says the mayor's administration does not care about veterans, praises Commissioner Mata but says her hands are tied, and calls for more budget allocation and a veterans parade.
Morano calls Douglas Encarnacion and Kenneth Abrantes, asks if anyone else wishes to speak, and notes the written testimony deadline.
Hudson thanks everyone who testified, especially all the veterans.
Morano thanks Hudson, Wong, the administration, and the public, says homelessness is complex, commits to legislative clarification on council shelter visits, and adjourns the hearing.