NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Shares Easter Meal with Formerly Homeless Veterans at Volunteers of America-Greater New York Supportive Housing Residence

NEW YORK, NY (April 6, 2026) – In celebration of Easter, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Volunteers of America–Greater New York’s (VOA-GNY) Commonwealth Residence in the Bronx, where he shared a meal with residents, many of whom are formerly homeless veterans.

Veterans are a bright spot in New York City’s fight against homelessness. Although many veterans continue to grapple with lasting physical and mental health challenges related to their service, the city has reduced veteran street homelessness by more than 98 percent from 2011 to 2022. This achievement is due in large part to the “Housing First” approach, which connects people directly to supportive housing through targeted outreach and ensures that housing includes services to help residents remain stably housed.

“We are proud to be a partner to the Mayor and his administration in supporting formerly homeless veterans, but we’re most proud that our formerly homeless veterans had the opportunity to speak for themselves and share their stories with the Mayor,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ginsburg, President and CEO of VOA-GNY. “Chronic veteran homelessness in New York City was virtually eradicated thanks to innovative housing approaches, and we look forward to continuing to support new avenues to help veterans overcome barriers to safe and secure housing.”   

“The Mayor’s visit with formerly homeless veterans is a message to all veterans that New York City stands with them,” said the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services Yesenia Mata. “This is a new era, an era that wants to make sure that veterans and their families are included.”

“Spending time with veterans at Commonwealth Residence this Easter was a powerful reminder that those who served our country deserve more than our gratitude, they deserve stability and dignity,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “Hearing directly from residents about their concerns and how our services can better meet their needs is critical to getting this work right. I’m grateful to Volunteers of America–Greater New York for leading that work every day.” 

“It was a privilege to partner with the Mayor and gather with our local New York Veterans at the Volunteers of America this Easter Sunday. Hearing the accounts of our formerly homeless veterans reinvigorated my ongoing drive to advocate for permanent housing programs ensuring that everyone in our community, especially those who have served, has safe, secure, and supportive housing,” said Assemblymember Karines Reyes, R.N. “The Volunteers of America Commonwealth Residence is an exemplary model of standing with our veterans through impactful approaches, like Housing First, which guarantees supportive housing and lasting stability. It is crucial that we marshal all available resources to take care of one another, and the spirit of this holiday reminds us of that certainty.”

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 that provides 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 130-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. 

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