Stand Down NYC

Proposal for Community Support: Implementing Stand Downs for NYC Veterans


Introduction

New York City is home to an estimated 118,882 veterans, yet many face significant challenges in securing housing, employment, and healthcare. Navigating the fragmented system of support services can leave veterans isolated from the resources they desperately need. One proven solution is the Stand Down event, a community-driven initiative that centralizes essential services for veterans. This proposal advocates for implementing a similar initiative in New York City to provide critical support to veterans in need.Stand Down NYC is a full-day, citywide mobilization to support unhoused and housing-insecure veterans by providing immediate access to housing vouchers, critical documentation services, shelter exit support, workforce opportunities, and mental health and legal assistance—all in one coordinated event. This initiative aims to model a more efficient, collaborative approach to veteran services that can be replicated across New York City.


Background & Problem Statement:

Despite existing programs like HUD-VASH and CityFHEPS, thousands of NYC veterans remain unhoused or at risk due to systemic barriers. Voucher systems are siloed and slow-moving, with CityFHEPS case managers restricted from helping process federal veteran vouchers. There is no financial or professional incentive for DHS caseworkers to expedite housing placements. Shelter repair delays and security protocols further isolate veterans from community resources and delay their transitions into stable housing.


Stand Down NYC proposes a practical, scalable solution: bring the system to the veteran,

instead of forcing the veteran to navigate the system.


Objectives & Program Features:

Stand Down NYC will gather key city agencies, nonprofit providers, and landlords in one centralized location to fast-track housing and service access for veterans. Specific objectives and components include:


Integrated Housing Voucher Support:

  • Enable CityFHEPS case managers to support processing of HUD-VASH and Section 8 vouchers.
  • Advocate for the creation of a dedicated veteran CityFHEPS track.

On-Site Documentation & Application Teams:

  • Rapid processing of required documents (ID, income, discharge status) with legal support to resolve barriers.
  • Teams dedicated to completing and submitting voucher applications in real time.

Flexible Voucher Models:

  • Pilot roommate voucher pooling to open up more affordable shared housing options.
  • Connect landlords and building managers willing to house voucher-holding veterans on-site.

Shelter Repairs Through Veteran Stipend Work Crews:

  • Launch stipended teams of shelter residents to perform minor repairs that currently delay move-ins.
  • Provide job training and workforce reentry support through partnerships with workforce agencies.

Housing Readiness & Community Connection:

  • Offer housing tutorials and workshops in a welcoming, non-clinical environment.
  • Relax security protocols to allow participation by civilian volunteers, peer mentors, and local housing navigators.

Expected Impact:

Stand Down NYC aims to directly support at least 250 veterans, with a target of completing 100 voucher applications, initiating 75 housing placements, and registering all participants for continued follow-up. The model also demonstrates an integrated approach that can influence city policy and funding structures for long-term system improvements.


Partnerships:

We will collaborate with city agencies (DHS, HPD, HRA), VA medical centers, veteran service organizations (VSOs), legal aid groups, housing nonprofits, and private landlords. These partners will provide staffing, referrals, and direct service delivery throughout the day.


Budget:

Estimated budget: $75,000, allocated as follows:

  • Event logistics (venue, security, permits): $15,000
  • Staffing & partner coordination: $20,000
  • Outreach & transportation for veterans: $10,000
  • Shelter repair stipends & materials: $15,000
  • Documentation, printing & tech setup: $10,000
  • Meals & hospitality: $5,000

Conclusion:

Stand Down NYC is a bold but practical intervention that centers veterans, eliminates bureaucratic delays, and builds cross-sector momentum. It will not only deliver immediate results but also shine a light on how the city can reform its approach to veteran housing.


With your support, we can prove that when we meet veterans where they are—and clear a path for them—they stand up stronger and faster.