June 3, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Los Angeles Launches New Initiative Meant to End Veteran Homelessness

Streamlined Processes and New Partnerships Aim to House More Veterans

Mayor Karen Bass, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, and Los Angeles County officials unveiled a new initiative Thursday aimed at reducing homelessness among veterans, a population that has faced systemic challenges in securing housing.

The program builds on recent federal regulatory changes that eliminate barriers between veterans receiving disability benefits and housing assistance, a policy shift Mayor Bass championed. The initiative comes as Los Angeles sees its first decrease in homelessness in six years, with street homelessness dropping by 10% and veteran homelessness declining by 23% over the past year.

“I was sleeping in my car after I lost my job but then I was able to get connected to services and find an apartment that accepted my federal housing voucher. I’m so grateful for the stability that having an apartment has provided me. I want to encourage any Veterans who are living on the streets to reach out and get help today, and I want to ask property owners in L.A. to consider being part of this new initiative launched by Mayor Bass and help more Veterans like me get housed,” said U.S. Navy Veteran Harold Hicks. 

The program aims to streamline housing processes for veterans by:

  • Cutting Wait Times: Collaborating with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and housing authorities to reduce the time required for veterans to qualify for and receive housing vouchers.
  • Engaging Housing Providers: Partnering with groups like the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles and the Greater Los Angeles REALTORS to expand the pool of housing units available for veterans.
  • Partnering with U.S. VETS: Working with the national nonprofit to connect veterans with housing options.

“We are ecstatic at the VA to support this initiative,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in his remarks during today’s event. “I have every confidence, as we say every day at VA when we end homelessness for Veterans in Los Angeles, we will have shown America how to do it, and we are committed to making sure this gets done – today’s commitment to reach out to property owners, mom, and pop landlords to get them to work with us as we do a better job executing our regulations. We are all in and we will not rest until every Veteran has precisely what she or he deserves, which is a dignified housing arrangement. So I thank you. We are thrilled to be part of this. We are committed to seeing this through.”

Homelessness in Los Angeles has seen significant reductions. “By removing barriers for landlords and dedicating resources to our veterans, we’re creating pathways to safe and stable homes,” said Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The campaign encourages participation from all sectors:

  • Veterans: Unhoused veterans in need of assistance can call 310-268-3350.
  • Property Owners: Those interested in renting units to veterans can email HouseOurVets@lacity.org.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to restoring dignity to those who have served our country,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis. “Together, we can show our veterans that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Related Posts

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...

The soul’s greatest hits

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

From ‘Ave Maria’ to ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Ode to Joy,” a Santa Monica concert raising funds to help fire victims...

LAPD Increases Security at Jewish Sites Following Colorado Flamethrower Attack

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Officials Ramp Up Patrols and Plan Emergency Response as Shavuot Concludes. Security outside Jewish institutions in Los Angeles has been...

Ariana Grande, Pedro Pascal, and Jamie Lee Curtis Rally Behind the Trevor Project

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Federal Cuts Loom, Celebrities Fight to Save Lifesaving LGBTQ+ Youth Hotline More than 100 prominent figures from the entertainment industry...

The Peabody Awards Celebrate Bold Storytelling and Social Impact at Beverly Hills Gala

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Honorees Including Baby Reindeer, Shōgun, and The Only Doctor at In-Person Ceremony The Peabody Awards held their awards ceremony Sunday...

Chamber Music Palisades Presents an Afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, and More

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Brentwood Hosts Free Classical Concert with LA Philharmonic Greats Chamber Music Palisades will present a free community concert on Saturday,...

‘King of the Hill’ Star Jonathan Joss Murdered in Homophobic Hate Crime at 59

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

The Indigenous Actor Was Fatally Shot During a Targeted Attack in San Antonio Jonathan Joss, the LGBTQ actor best known...

Lane Closures Return to PCH in Malibu for Fire Recovery and Emergency Repairs

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Traffic Will Be Impacted as Caltrans and the USACE Conduct Cleanup  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced updated...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Chin Chin to Close West Hollywood Location After 45 Years of Service

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Iconic Sunset Plaza Restaurant Announces Final Day of Operations Chin Chin, the iconic Chinese eatery that has been a fixture...

LACMA’s $700M David Geffen Galleries to Open in 2026

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

New Structure Will Replace Original Midcentury Buildings Construction crews are entering the final stretch on the David Geffen Galleries, a...

Transgender Student-Athlete Rises Above Criticism, Claims Multiple CIF Medals

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Jurupa Valley High Student Earns Top Honors in High Jump and Triple Jump Transgender high school athlete AB Hernandez captured...

Criterion Mobile Closet Arrives in L.A. for Two-Day Stop at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

More Than 1,000 Classic Titles June 6–7 During American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week  Following its successful appearances at SXSW and Vidiots...

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...