S:US Awarded Grant to Assist NYC Veterans with Housing and Employment
We are grateful to the Bob Woodruff Foundation for awarding Services for the UnderServed (S:US) a grant to expand our support services to veterans in New York City and Long Island who are not able to receive federally funded services. We’re proud to be a member of the Foundation’s Got Your 6 Network. Our thanks to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Craig Newmark Philanthropies for this funding to help us support veterans, their families, and their caregivers.
Through this funding, S:US will deliver employment services, case management, and financial assistance to at least 125 veterans, helping them achieve long-term housing and employment stability.
The Bob Woodruff Foundation’s partnership with S:US dates back to 2018, when we first received grant funding for our Veterans Services. Since then, the sustained support of the Bob Woodruff Foundation has funded innovative programs, enabling S:US to bridge service gaps for veterans who are not able to benefit from government programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families and the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.
In New York City, housing insecurity is a significant barrier for veterans. As of April 2024, the median rent surpassed $3,400, with Manhattan’s median rent reaching $4,595 per month. Many veterans earn less than $35,000 annually, making homelessness a looming threat. These individuals face unique obstacles, including high rates of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), substance use challenges, and unemployment. Studies show that a lack of affordable housing is a leading cause of homelessness among veterans, a disparity S:US is addressing with the Foundation’s support.
Each year, S:US partners with over 2,000 veterans and their families to prevent homelessness, secure employment, and provide access to essential resources. Our approach includes providing behavioral health services, rapid rehousing, and additional support services to stabilize their lives. More than 85% of our veterans are experiencing homelessness, 60% face multiple serious health conditions, and 30% are justice-involved (people who have spent time in jails, correctional facilities, or prisons). By offering tailored, person-centered care, we empower veterans to transform their lives and build a path forward.
This grant allows us to ensure that veterans who have served our nation do not fall through the cracks of the system. Thanks to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, S:US will continue to uplift New York City’s veterans, providing the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
About The Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $165 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families — those who stood for us — have stable and successful futures. Visit the Bob Woodruff Foundation for more information.