A measure authorizing leases at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs building that will lead to permanent supportive housing to homeless veterans was signed into law by President Barack Obama Thursday.
The law authored by Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, and Jeff Miller, R- Florida, would give the VA secretary the ability to enter into leases that allow housing and supportive services at the building.
A plan announced earlier this year calls for 1,200 units to be made available to homeless veterans at the facility.
“I am extremely grateful that President Obama signed this important legislation for veterans into law today,” Lieu said. “This is a significant first step and now we must complete the mission by revitalizing the West Los Angeles VA to make it a truly Veteran-centric campus.”
“With the leasing tools provided in the legislation, our existing coalition can now work to create a thriving campus of respect and healing for our nation’s heroes and build 1,200 units of supportive housing for homeless Veterans,” he said. “We cannot solve the issue of Veterans homelessness in America without solving it in Los Angeles County.”
Mayor Eric Garcetti said the law “will change the lives of veterans in our city.”
“The West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Master Plan is critical to ensuring that people who have worn our nation’s uniform get the housing and supportive services they need,” Garcetti said.
“It breathes new life into the West L.A. VA campus, and will create a supportive space where veterans can receive the care and attention they deserve.”
–City News Service