What resources are available to soldiers with disabilities when they come home from war and can't find work or a place to live? New Era Veterans, Inc. (NEV), a state-registered non-profit organization, operates two veteran-specific housing programs in New York City. In 1991, together with El Barrio American Legion Post 1944, NEV won the contract to manage the residence located in East Harlem. The NEV staff provides a wide range of services to veterans and strives to maintain a high standard of accommodations as managers of the 150-room residence.

NEV staff members speak a variety of languages including Spanish. Many NEV employees are themselves former residents of the facility. The building is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. The organization partners with the local Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital for healthcare programs. At the residence, NEV staff provides employment services including vocational training and job placement.

The residence includes a recreational center where veterans can enjoy a game of billiards, cards or dominos. Adjacent to the recreational center there is a yard where the veterans hold daily barbecues during the summer. There also is a library of books and newspapers; a lunchroom; and a computer resource center. The bedrooms are the size of dormitory rooms. They include a bed, sink and a closet. The residents can add a refrigerator or air conditioner if desired.

Mobile Health Services
There is a mobile healthcare clinic that parks in front of the residence from time to time to provide medical services to the veterans. Dr. Ruth Shaffer, Director of Psychological Services at the center described the importance of the clinic. "The clinic began serving veterans along with their families." She added, "For the past 10 years we have provided physical exams, social services and direct referrals on the streets and in local communities." The mobile healthcare clinic staff also goes to cultural events and festival in communities like Manhattan, Bronx, or Queens where there are large Latino populations.

Emmett Harris an African-American man who served in World War II and the Korean War, is one of the oldest residents at the center. He stated, "I like here a lot." "It's a place where one can relax, walk around, feel safe, and know where you can get help when needed." Aldis Hodge, another resident who lives and works at the center added, "The joy of this place is nobody here turns their back on anybody. Our doors are not only open to people of color, they are open to women veterans as well. My thing here is to help make it better situation for every veteran who comes through those doors."

The staff at NEV provides the following services for veterans: independent living skills assistance; case management; crisis intervention; stress reduction therapy; benefits counseling; recovery groups; employment/vocational counseling; a 24-hour front desk information staff and legal clinics. There also are services for veterans who have spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. The staff is available 365 days a year, and shopping and transportation are within walking distance of the residence.

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