Veterans Voice Diverse Needs for West LA VA Campus Redevelopment
A recent roundtable discussion with veterans highlighted a complex set of needs and concerns surrounding the planned redevelopment of the West Los Angeles VA campus. While the VA aims to utilize the campus to address veteran homelessness nationwide, opinions diverge on the scale and type of housing required, and also the crucial support services needed for triumphant reintegration into civilian life.
The proposed “National Center for Warrior Independence” has sparked debate, notably regarding the potential influx of veterans from across the country. Some, like Army veteran Rob Begland, expressed concern over the idea of concentrating 6,000 veterans in Los Angeles, while concurrently emphasizing the importance of serving veterans beyond the local area. Begland underscored the fundamental duty to facilitate veterans’ reintegration into society, advocating for robust vocational training programs.
A key issue raised by veterans was the unintended consequences of current VA housing policies. Air Force veteran Robert Canas described a frustrating dilemma: accessing educational or employment opportunities risks eviction from VA-provided housing. This creates a barrier to self-sufficiency, effectively penalizing veterans for striving to rebuild their lives.
Several proposals were offered to address these challenges. Anthony Allman, of Vets Advisory, suggested a collaborative effort between the VA and community colleges to create housing specifically for student veterans. Sal Grammatico, a long-time advocate for the campus, stressed the need to allocate housing for patients undergoing treatment at the VA hospital, differentiating between transitional, permanent, and treatment-related housing needs.
the importance of tailored housing options was a recurring theme. Reynolds highlighted the success of the campus’s ”harm reduction” tiny home village in assisting veterans struggling with substance abuse, but also emphasized the need for sober living environments and dedicated support for those with severe mental illness.Though, existing housing on the campus faces meaningful challenges. veterans described serious safety concerns, with Canas detailing instances of drug activity and even fatalities within buildings due to a lack of adequate support services.
Following the roundtable, Congressmen Takano and Sherman pledged to introduce legislation aimed at increasing openness and addressing the issues raised. Sherman acknowledged the inherent tension between incentivizing self-sufficiency and fostering a supportive veteran community, but ultimately prioritized the immediate need to “get people indoors.”
The discussion underscored that successful redevelopment of the West LA VA campus requires a nuanced approach, prioritizing not just housing, but also comprehensive support services, individualized housing options, and a commitment to removing barriers to veterans’ long-term well-being and reintegration.