When VA Secretary McDonough visited Los Angeles in October, he challenged local leaders with the goal to house 500 Veterans who were experiencing homelessness by the end of the year. Ensuring that all Veterans have a safe, secure place to live is a top VA priority. In Los Angeles, there are more homeless Veterans than anywhere else in the United States.
Thanks to the hard work of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) staff and its community partners, hundreds of Veterans are now off the street. By connecting with individual Veterans and working closely with each of them to determine their needs, the goal set by the Secretary was achieved.
705 Veterans housed through variety of programs
Between October 1 and December 31, 2021, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System housed 705 Veterans. Of those, 590 were in Los Angeles County. This was accomplished through a variety of temporary, transitional and permanent housing programs. Veterans also enrolled in supportive programs that help with the transition to permanent housing.
“We know the issue of Veteran homelessness is complex,” said Matthew McGahran, chief, Community Engagement and Reintegration Service. “There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every Veteran. We have to learn what each of their wants and needs are. We work with each individual to identify the right program that sets them on the path to becoming permanently housed.”
For some Veterans, the solution may be direct placement in an apartment or home of their own. For others it may mean addressing health or substance use issues or job training while in temporary housing to assist with income stability.
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