New York Program Highlights VA Home Loan Benefits for Long Island Veterans

New York Program Highlights VA Home Loan Benefits for Long Island Veterans

State veterans officials encourage military families to understand how VA home loan benefits can support homeownership and long-term financial stability

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — August 19, 2026 — Long Island veterans, service members and military families are being encouraged to learn more about the benefits available through the VA Home Loan program, which can provide significant advantages when purchasing, building, improving or refinancing a home.

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services highlighted the program Wednesday as part of its “Veterans Mean Business!” virtual Chat & Chew series, focusing on ways military families can better understand and maximize benefits earned through military service.

The discussion featured Michelle Viola Straight, Executive Director of Military Home Loan Benefits at ClearPath Mortgage Solutions, who has more than 35 years of experience in VA housing, real estate investing and veteran advocacy.

The program was hosted by Dr. Lessie Branch, Special Assistant for Community Engagement with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and a U.S. Navy veteran.

VA Home Loans Can Offer Valuable Opportunities

The VA Home Loan program is available to eligible veterans, service members and certain surviving spouses and can be used in connection with purchasing, building, improving or refinancing a home.

State veterans officials say one challenge is that eligible individuals may not fully understand the program or the opportunities available through it.

That lack of familiarity can potentially prevent veterans and military families—including those living in Nassau and Suffolk counties—from fully exploring a benefit they earned through service.

“Homeownership can provide stability, opportunity and a foundation for a family’s financial future, and the VA Home Loan is a tremendous benefit that our Veterans and Service Members have earned through their service to our nation,” New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said.

DeCohen said the department wants veterans and their families to understand both the benefits available to them and how those benefits may help strengthen their lives and financial futures.

More Than Buying a House

For military families, homeownership can also play a larger role in establishing financial stability.

“This conversation is ultimately about knowledge, access and empowerment,” Branch said.

She noted that homeownership can be part of building stability, creating generational wealth and strengthening a family’s financial future.

Straight said awareness remains one of the most important issues facing military families seeking to use their benefits.

“One of the greatest challenges facing our military community isn’t the lack of benefits – it’s the lack of awareness about how to maximize them,” Straight said.

Resources Remain Available for Long Island Veterans

Although Wednesday’s virtual program has concluded, veterans and military families on Long Island can still receive assistance through the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services.

The department connects veterans, service members and military families with benefits, services and other forms of support.

Long Island veterans who have questions about benefits they may have earned can call 888-838-7697 to arrange an in-person or virtual meeting with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor.

Additional information and assistance are available through the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services⁠.

Media Contact

Josh Fitzpatrick
Director of Public Information
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
518-419-4206
joshua.fitzpatrick@veterans.ny.gov

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Long Island Daily News
Long Island Daily News⁠