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Mayor Mamdani to share Easter Dinner with formerly homeless veterans in the Bronx
Mayor Zohran Mamdani will spend the Easter holiday sharing a meal with homeless veterans in the Bronx.
The city’s first Muslim mayor will visit Volunteers of America - Greater New York in Soundview for dinner.
The facility is one of the largest housing and homeless services in the city. The Soundview location provides permanent and supportive housing to adults who previously experienced homelessness, including veterans, according to its website. Currently, 75 of the buildings' 149 single room occupancy units are home to formerly homeless veterans.
“I’m honored to spend Easter Sunday with homeless veterans here in New York City. Their service to this country must be met with real commitment in return. No veteran should be left behind. That’s why we’re working with Commissioner Mata and the Department of Veterans Services to deliver the housing, healthcare, education and employment support our veterans deserve,” Mamdani said.
This is Mamdani’s second visit to the VOA. He previously visited them back in November as then mayor-elect where he served roughly two dozen veterans hot meals in honor of Veterans Day.
At the time, Mamdani said his administration would be focused on helping veterans who have been left behind.
Other elected officials, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Department of Veteran Services Commissioner Yesenia Mata, Sen. Nathalia Fernandez and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes are also scheduled to attend.
According to a spokesperson from Mamdani’s office, the dinner will be held in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Services.
“The Department of Veterans Services recognizes how important it is for veterans to come together in a welcoming, dignified space where they can share a meal, connect, and reflect on their experiences. We are deeply grateful to our partners, including Volunteers of America–Greater New York, who consistently go above and beyond to provide these vital spaces and resources. We appreciate the Mayor's presence and commitment in joining veterans from all walks of life, fostering connection, and reinforcing a simple but powerful message: New York City is here for veterans and their families,” Mata said.