PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Contact: Daniel Kurzyna

DKurzyna@council.nyc.gov

Wong Joins Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 in Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans at Borden Avenue Shelter

Long Island City, NY – Council Member Phil Wong (D-Queens) joined Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 32, led by President Lennie Williams, on Tuesday, June 16, to deliver essential supplies to the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence in Long Island City, New York City's only shelter dedicated exclusively to homeless veterans.

The Borden Avenue Veterans Residence is operated by the Institute for Community Living (ICL) and works closely with the New York City Department of Homeless Services, and the New York City Department of Veterans' Services (NYC DVS) to provide housing, support services, and pathways to stability for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The donation included hundreds of much-needed items for veterans residing at the facility, including:

• 300 pairs of socks
• 100 fans
• 320 bars of soap
• 1,040 razors
• 150 toiletry kits
• 150 pairs of shower shoes
• 144 undershirts
• 200 packs of men's underwear
• 2,400 bandages
• Additional hygiene and personal care supplies

Council Member Wong joined members of VVA Chapter 32 as they personally delivered the supplies to veterans residing at the shelter.

"Today was about veterans helping veterans,” said Wong. “I want to commend Lennie Williams and the members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 for once again stepping up to support those who served our nation. I also want to thank the dedicated staff of the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence, operated by the Institute for Community Living in partnership with the New York City Department of Veterans' Services, for the important work they do every day on behalf of our veterans. Most importantly, I want to recognize the veterans who call this residence home. Every one of them answered our country's call to serve and deserves our respect, gratitude, and support. We must continue doing more to ensure no veteran is left behind, but there is nothing more powerful than veterans helping veterans. The camaraderie, sense of duty, and commitment to one another that defined their military service is alive and well today, and Chapter 32's generosity is proof of that.”

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 has long been a leading advocate for veterans throughout New York City, providing support, resources, and assistance to those who have served in the Armed Forces. The chapter's latest donation effort reflects its continued commitment to ensuring that veterans in need receive both practical assistance and the support of a community that understands their experiences.

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