VA and Community Partners Release West Los Angeles Homeless Plan

On January 28, 2015, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert A. McDonald and attorneys representing homeless veterans in Los Angeles announced a historic agreement that dedicates the West Los Angeles VA campus to serving veterans in need.  The agreement is an important step forward in carrying out President Obama’s commitment that no veteran should live on the streets, or forego available medical and psychological services. 

 Today pursuant to this agreement, VA is releasing its written plan to help end veteran homeless in Greater Los Angeles.  The plan focuses on serving veterans, particularly homeless veterans, women veterans, aging veterans and veterans that are severely disabled.  VA’s efforts will be done in coordination with pertinent Federal, State, and local authorities; legislators; Veteran Service Organizations; Faith Based organizations; community partners; charitable organizations; and Veterans.  As part of this Plan, VA is committed to utilizing the West Los Angeles Medical Center in a more Veteran-centric manner going forward. 

 “This plan demonstrates what can be accomplished for our Nation’s veterans when we come together as a community – everyone working together toward the higher goal,” said Secretary McDonald.  “This is an important first step toward ending Veteran homelessness in Greater LA and a model of what we will do across the country.”

 See the plan: http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Veterans-Homelessness-Strategy-and-Action-Plan.pdf

###

Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

Contact us online through Ask VA

Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.

More from the Press Room