LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Black Veterans for Social Justice upon
the occasion of its 30th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Black Veterans for Social Justice upon the occasion of its 30th Anniver-
sary; and
WHEREAS, A nonprofit, community-based organization in Brooklyn, New
York, Black Veterans for Social Justice was established in 1979 to serve
not only homeless veterans, but their families and the community; and
WHEREAS, Several programs aimed at helping homeless veterans operate
under the direction of Black Veterans for Social Justice, while other
services are provided through memorandums of understanding with local
community-based organizations and government agencies; and
WHEREAS, One of these programs, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration
Program, has come a long way since having a one-room office and single
phone line and computer in 1999; with the creation of the new Veterans
Resource Center, each staff member now has a fully equipped office, the
department has its own fax machine, copier and email address and a
professionally printed brochure details the employment assistance
program, while available services are listed on the Black Veterans for
Social Justice website; and
WHEREAS, Focused primarily on providing employment services to home-
less and previously homeless veterans, the Homeless Veterans Reinte-
gration Program also provides guidance on filing claims for benefits,
substance abuse treatment programs, and workshops pertaining to job
search techniques and overcoming barriers to employment; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Black Veterans for Social Justice provides
programs and support to military personnel, veterans and families deal-
ing with issues that include social readjustment, finding housing and
employment, applying for disability compensation, access to substance
abuse and mental health treatment, medical services, family inter-
vention, prison counseling and reentry into the community, and legal
advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Black Veterans for Social Justice has also obtained 34 resi-
dential housing facilities, which house over 300 ex-homeless veterans
and their families, as well as a temporary emergency men's shelter,
"Pamoja House," which has 200 beds, and a single room occupancy facility
with 175 rooms of permanent housing for veterans; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Black Veterans for Social Justice is
in direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have
supported the development of this outstanding organization over the
years; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the superbly-skilled staff at Black
Veterans for Social Justice, whose involvement is and has always been
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on
behalf of the organization and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Black Veterans for Social Justice upon the occasion of its 30th
Anniversary, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkl-
ing success which has so characterized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Black Veterans for Social Justice.