DSS Commissioner Dalton begins testimony on veteran homelessness
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.
Good morning.
Good morning, Chair Hudson, Chair Marano, members of the Committee on General Welfare, and members of the Committee on Veterans.
I am Erin Dalton, and I serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.
Joining me today is Deputy Commissioner for Adult Services Shelter Operations, Sonia Russell.
Thank you for convening today's oversight hearing on veterans'homelessness in New York City.
The New York City Department of Veteran Services, or DVS, estimates that there are more than 200,000 veterans who call New York City home.
We thank them and all U.S.
Veterans for their service.
New York City has demonstrated its commitment to veterans experiencing homelessness.
We opened the first veteran-specific shelter in the country, led the country in efforts to get to functional zero in veterans'homelessness, and today have one of the lowest veteran homeless rates of anywhere in the country.
In the 2026 point in time count, we counted 791 veterans in shelter and only one on shelter.
person who identified as a veteran.