When it comes to honoring veterans, Jericho Project is putting in the work—and now they’ve got the backing to keep that mission rolling strong. The nonprofit, which has been ending homelessness in New York for more than four decades, just locked in a $340,000 New York City Council Discretionary Grant for Fiscal Year 2026 to renew its Veterans Initiative.
This isn’t just another “thank you for your service” moment. It’s about real, tangible support—roofs over heads, steady jobs, and the kind of wraparound services that give our veterans a shot at a stable, dignified life.
Credit where it’s due: Council Members Pierina Sanchez, Robert Holden, and Inna Vernikov made it happen, filling funding gaps so Jericho can keep serving the more than 700 veterans they work with every year. Sanchez represents the Bronx neighborhoods where three of Jericho’s veteran residences stand tall, while Holden—Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Veterans—and Vernikov stepped up as key allies.
“Our veterans risked everything to defend our freedoms, and we owe them more than just gratitude—we owe them action,” Holden said.
Jericho’s Veterans Initiative didn’t just appear overnight. It launched 20 years ago when troops were coming home from Iraq, building on the nonprofit’s history of helping Vietnam vets transition back into civilian life. Today, it’s a lifeline that spans:
- Permanent supportive housing in the Bronx and Queens, with four dedicated veterans residences.
- Employment services through the Workforce Opportunities program, connecting vets with real job prospects citywide.
- Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing, supporting over 400 veteran households each year.
- Wraparound care like mental health counseling, healthcare coordination, benefits navigation, and even help securing DD-214s for VA eligibility.
The numbers don’t lie: Jericho’s approach costs about $18,000 per person annually—a fraction of what the city spends on shelters, jail cells, or hospital beds. And unlike a shelter cot, Jericho housing comes with a key, a lease, and a sense of control over one’s own life.
CEO Tori Lyon summed it up best: “Thanks to this funding, we can continue our pledge to help veterans of all ages lead happier, more fulfilled lives.”
Forty-two years in, Jericho Project is still proving that smart investment and compassion can move the needle. This grant isn’t just about dollars—it’s about keeping a promise to those who’ve worn the uniform.
For more info, visit jerichoproject.org or follow @jerichoproject1983.
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