Mamdani Shared a Meal with VOA-GNY Residents in the Bronx, Thanked Veterans for Their Service & Expressed Support for Combatting the Homelessness Crisis
NEW YORK, NY (November 11, 2025) – In honor of Veterans Day, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani today visited Volunteers of America–Greater New York’s (VOA-GNY)’s Commonwealth Residence in the Bronx, where he served and shared a meal with residents, many of whom are formerly homeless veterans. During his visit, he spoke with veterans about their journeys from homelessness to permanent housing in New York City.
Despite the ongoing challenges many veterans face, including the lingering physical and mental health impacts of their service, New York City has reduced veteran street homelessness by more than 98 percent from 2011 to 2022. This remarkable progress reflects the success of the “Housing First” model, which connects people directly to supportive housing through targeted outreach and ensures that housing includes services to help residents remain stably housed.
“On Veterans Day, it is critically important to shine a light on the challenges veterans face in securing stable housing and to recognize the near eradication of chronic veteran homelessness in New York City through innovative housing approaches,” said Jeffrey Ginsburg, President and CEO of VOA-GNY. “We are honored to celebrate our veterans with Mayor-elect Mamdani and look forward to collaborating with his administration to continue working toward ending homelessness for all New Yorkers.”
VOA-GNY supports nearly 700 veterans each year as one of New York City’s largest providers of residential services for veterans. The organization offers a continuum of care for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness that reflects the deep respect and support these men and women deserve.
Commonwealth Residence, located in the Bronx, is a 149-unit single-room occupancy (SRO) residence providing permanent supportive housing for single adults who are formerly homeless, including many veterans. The residence provides safe, comfortable, low-cost housing and comprehensive on-site support services.
About Volunteers of America-Greater New York
Volunteers of America–Greater New York (VOA-GNY) is an anti-poverty organization with a 129-year history of serving neighbors in need. Its vision is fueled by its role as a leading provider of services to families and individuals experiencing homelessness across the Greater New York area. Through more than 70 programs in New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester County—including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing—VOA-GNY serves over 35,000 adults and children each year. It is also the largest provider of residential services for veterans within a coalition that has virtually ended chronic veteran homelessness in New York City. For more information, visit www.voa-gny.org.