REPORT TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

Committee on Veterans (2026)

Part 2: Assessment of the Veterans Affairs Grant and Per Diem Program and Borden Avenue Veterans’ Residence

Review of Program Implementation, Transitional Services, and Alignment With VA GPD Objectives

Purpose of Review

This section evaluates whether the operation of the Borden Avenue Veterans’ Residence (BAVR) aligns with the intended purpose of the Department of Veterans Affairs Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program.

The VA GPD program is a transitional program designed to assist eligible veterans experiencing homelessness by providing temporary supportive housing and access to resources necessary to successfully transition back into the community.

The GPD program should not be evaluated solely as a shelter program, permanent housing program, or clinical recovery program. While housing placement is an important outcome, the broader purpose of GPD is preparing veterans for independent living by providing access to supportive resources.

Those resources include:

· Housing assistance
· Employment opportunities
· Financial wellness
· VA healthcare access
· Benefits assistance
· Transportation
· Community engagement
· Independent living preparation

Borden Avenue serves a unique role as New York City’s only VA-funded GPD transitional program. As a result, the effectiveness of the facility impacts how New York City serves veterans transitioning from homelessness, incarceration, military service, financial instability, and other barriers affecting independence.

Program Implementation Review

The purpose of a transitional program is to address the circumstances that contributed to a veteran becoming homeless and provide a structured pathway back into the community.

A successful GPD program begins transition planning when the veteran enters the program. Services should focus on identifying barriers, connecting resources, developing stability, and preparing the veteran for life after leaving the facility.

The effectiveness of the program should therefore be measured by whether veterans obtain:

· Sustainable housing connections
· Stable income or employment pathways
· Financial skills
· Healthcare continuity
· Community support systems

The review of Borden Avenue identifies concerns regarding whether the program has consistently operated as a veteran transitional program or primarily as a Department of Homeless Services shelter model serving veterans.

A traditional shelter system focuses on immediate needs, including temporary placement, meals, and facility operations.

A VA GPD transitional program requires additional emphasis on preparing veterans for successful reintegration into the community.

Access to Transitional Resources

Access to resources is a critical component of the GPD program.

Veterans experiencing homelessness often enter programs after significant disruptions involving employment, finances, family support, healthcare, and community connection.

A successful transition requires rebuilding these foundations before permanent placement occurs.

Concerns reviewed regarding Borden Avenue include whether veterans received sufficient access to:

· Employment preparation and workforce programs
· Financial education and budgeting support
· Transportation to VA appointments and community resources
· Veteran service organizations
· Peer support and mentorship
· Community partnerships

Limited access to these resources may negatively affect a veteran’s ability to successfully transition.

Veterans leaving homelessness require more than placement into housing. They require preparation to maintain independence after placement occurs.

Location and Connection to Veterans Affairs Services

The relationship between a GPD program and Veterans Affairs services is essential.

Veterans participating in GPD may require access to:

· Primary healthcare
· Mental health services
· Disability benefits assistance
· Specialty care
· Social work support

Borden Avenue’s location requires veterans to travel outside the facility to access many VA services. Transportation therefore becomes a significant component of program effectiveness.

Without reliable access to VA resources, veterans may face additional barriers that delay progress toward independence.

A transitional program should reduce obstacles between veterans and available resources.

Community Engagement and Reintegration

Community connection is an important factor in successful transition.

Many veterans experiencing homelessness have lost connection to employment, family, military identity, and social support networks.

Veteran organizations, volunteers, employers, and community partners can assist by providing mentorship, opportunities, and relationships beyond the facility.

Concerns regarding restricted access for outside organizations require review because community involvement strengthens the transition process.

Preparing veterans to return to the community requires meaningful connection with that community before they exit the program.

Program Outcomes and Accountability

Evaluation of the GPD program should extend beyond the number of veterans housed or the number of available beds.

Important performance measurements include:

· Successful transitions into independent living
· Housing retention after exit
· Employment or income improvement
· Connection with VA healthcare
· Reduced returns to homelessness
· Veteran satisfaction and participation

Program accountability requires determining whether services provided resulted in measurable improvement in the lives of participating veterans.

Conclusion

The Veterans Affairs Grant and Per Diem Program was created to provide eligible veterans experiencing homelessness with a structured pathway back into the community.

The purpose of the program is transition.

The assessment of Borden Avenue Veterans’ Residence should therefore focus not only on shelter operations, but on whether veterans receive the resources necessary to achieve independence after leaving the facility.

A successful GPD program ensures that veterans exit with more than a housing placement. Veterans should leave connected to healthcare, employment opportunities, financial resources, benefits, transportation, and community support.

The effectiveness of New York City’s only VA GPD transitional program should ultimately be measured by whether it fulfills that mission: helping veterans successfully transition from homelessness back into the community.