Resolution calling upon the New York City Housing Authority to include an admission preference for public housing in its next proposed agency plan for all veterans of the U.S. military

This resolution calls upon the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to establish an admission preference for all U.S. military veterans in its next proposed agency plan for public housing. This initiative aims to address the critical issue of veteran homelessness, with approximately 500 homeless veterans identified in New York City as of 2022. NYCHA, which provides affordable housing to 528,105 residents, currently has the legal authority to set such preferences but does not offer a general admission priority for veterans, despite historical advocacy from the City Council. While NYCHA manages 3,385 HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, this is distinct from a direct public housing admission preference. The need for this preference is underscored by data showing women veterans, in particular, face disproportionate challenges, including a 1.6 times higher risk of intimate partner violence and higher rates of economic instability, with 11.3% earning less than $14,000 annually. Implementing this preference would provide essential support to veterans transitioning to civilian life and in need of stable, affordable housing.