July 8, 2021

Media Contact: hpdmedia@hpd.nyc.gov
housej@hpd.nyc.gov

NEW YORK, NY— The New York City Departments of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Veterans’ Services (DVS) are joining forces to connect New York City Veterans with affordable housing services and resources. Starting this week, a 2-week application drive will assist and educate Veterans applying to affordable housing lotteries through NYC Housing Connect and the City’s Mitchell-Lama program. A series of educational events will also highlight the resources available to help Veterans access affordable housing opportunities.

“We want to make sure our city’s Veterans have the best shot at accessing the affordable housing opportunities we are creating at record pace under the Mayor’s Your Home NYC plan to help New Yorkers get, afford, and keep their homes,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “Whether it’s taking advantage of the new and improved Housing Connect or understanding the preference available in Mitchell-Lama, we want to connect Veterans to all the affordable housing options available to them. I want to thank DVS and the many Veteran Service Organizations for their partnership in helping us assist the New Yorkers who serve this nation on the frontline.”

“Veterans risk all defending the freedoms that we enjoy, and when they come back, they don’t always receive the help that they need to lead a successful life. Affordable housing is a cornerstone to assisting Veterans as they reenter society and build a stronger and more secure future,” said DVS Commissioner James Hendon. “DVS is proud to partner with HPD on this effort to demystify the process of applying for affordable housing opportunities in the city and increase the number of Veterans applying for Mitchell-Lama housing.”

Today, July 8, HPD and DVS will co-host a training event on Zoom from 6:00 –8:00 pm. The event is open to the public and will cover the Housing Connect and Mitchell-Lama application processes. All affordable housing seekers are encouraged to register and view the full calendar of events at nyc.gov/hpd/events/veterans

Since 2018, DVS and HPD have worked in coordination to educate Veterans Service Organizations about affordable housing opportunities and finding homes for veterans in supportive housing developments and homeless set-aside units. In April, HPD and DVS Commissioners organized a training for over 60 DVS staff and community partners focusing on Veterans’ needs. HPD provided training on the application and eligibility process for affordable housing lotteries, Mitchell-Lama developments, homeless set-aside units, and supportive housing and vouchers designated for Veterans.

The application drive is the latest initiative focused on expanding the types of affordable housing Veterans apply to and enhancing their access to education and assistance around NYC Housing Connect and Mitchell-Lama lotteries.

A key focus of the drive is helping Veterans take advantage of a Veteran’s preference in the Mitchell-Lama program, a vital source of affordable housing for New Yorkers, and a critical path to homeownership. Veterans have a preference for Mitchell-Lama housing if they are selected in a lottery or if the Mitchell-Lama development has an open waiting list.

Another goal will be introducing Veterans to NYC Housing Connect, a centralized online portal for finding and applying to affordable housing opportunities in New York City. Last summer, the Agency rolled out a new version of Housing Connect, which was significantly upgraded to make the application process quicker and easier. The new system includes more housing options and provides applicants a clear picture of the opportunities they can apply for.

The New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS)
In 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio created DVS, making it the first standalone city agency in the nation dedicated to serving Veterans and their families. Reducing Veteran homelessness lies at the core of DVS’ mission, and Veteran homelessness in the city has declined 60 percent since the Mayor took office.

As the five-year-old agency continues to grow, its mission has expanded into new ways to help all Veterans be able to find affordable and secure housing in the city. The partnership between HPD and DVS is one example of how the agency is collaborating with other agencies to make New York City the best city in the country for Veterans.

###

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is the nation's largest municipal housing preservation and development agency. Its mission is to promote quality housing and diverse, thriving neighborhoods for New Yorkers through loan and development programs for new affordable housing, preservation of the affordability of the existing housing stock, enforcement of housing quality standards, and educational programs for tenants and building owners. HPD is tasked advancing the goals of the City's housing plan – a critical pillar of Your Home NYC, Mayor de Blasio's comprehensive approach to helping New Yorkers get, afford, and keep housing in these challenging times. For full details visit www.nyc.gov/hpd and for regular updates on HPD news and services, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @NYCHousing