Devil Dog USA Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for United States military veterans transitioning to civilian life.[1] The organization is known for advocacy related to housing access for student veterans who rely on G.I. Bill housing allowances as income.[2]
Devil Dog USA was founded in 2013 by Gonzalo Duran, a United States Marine Corps veteran.[3] The organization initially focused on transitional assistance for veterans facing reintegration challenges.[4]
In 2014, Devil Dog USA became involved in a housing discrimination case involving a homeless veteran enrolled at Fordham University under the G.I. Bill.[5] The veteran was denied rental housing after landlords declined to recognize G.I. Bill housing allowances as qualifying income.[6] The case highlighted challenges faced by student veterans who rely on educational benefits to secure housing.[7]
Student veteran housing initiative
The 2014 Fordham case led Duran to pursue converting his family home into transitional housing for student veterans, with the goal of providing stable accommodations for those facing similar challenges.[8][9]
In the years that followed, the organization broadened its efforts to include advocacy for stronger housing protections, through lobbying, public statements, and community outreach.[10][11]
Local Law 119, adopted in 2017, formally recognized G.I. Bill housing allowances as a lawful source of income under the New York City Human Rights Law.[12]
Programs
Devil Dog USA conducts community-based programs for veterans in collaboration with local organizations.[13][14][15] The organization has also engaged in veteran recognition initiatives in partnership with civic and community groups.[16][17]
The nonprofit produces Vet Talk, a veterans-focused media program broadcast on BronxNet, Manhattan Neighborhood Network and other community platforms.[18] The program features discussions on veteran issues and community affairs.[19]
In 2023, the organization marked its tenth anniversary with the opening of a new office.[20]
National outreach
Although headquartered in New York City, Devil Dog USA has expanded its work to other states.[21] Examples include providing memorial support in Arkansas, supporting a workforce readiness program in Connecticut, and coordinating holiday distributions for veterans and homeless populations in Michigan.[22][23]
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