Discussion hosted by Rep. Mark Takano also was attended by U.S. Reps. Brad Sherman and Sydney Kamlager-Dove.
In late August, American Legion Legislative Associate Nick Ruf and Department of California Legionnaire Manny Vega attended a roundtable discussion regarding the status of the VA West Los Angeles Campus. Vega, a member of both Post 741 in Camarillo and the Legion’s National Legislative Council, was joined by 15-20 other veterans and representatives from other veteran service organizations.
The discussion was hosted by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Rep. Mark Takano. U.S. Reps. Brad Sherman and Sydney Kamlager-Dove also participated. The discussion focused on transforming the long-troubled VA West LA Campus into a thriving hub of housing, services and community for Southern California veterans.
Veterans provided testimonials of their personal experiences dealing with the VA West LA Campus. Many who spoke said the land on which the campus sits should be used for treating veterans; other veterans expressed concern about the lack of security and amenities in the existing apartments used to house homeless veterans there. There also were concerns expressed over plans to convert a former National Guard armory on the property for use as a non-veteran homeless shelter and how those residents will interact with current homeless veterans living on the campus.
Several recommendations came from the discussion, including improving security before expanding the number of homeless veterans being housed on campus, and taking a holistic approach to addressing veteran homelessness beyond just expanding affordable housing.
- Veterans Healthcare