Event Connects Unhoused Veterans with Housing Opportunities

LOS ANGELES - The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) in partnership with the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and the Los Angeles County Development Authority hosted the first House Our Vets Fair at the VA campus in West Los Angeles. The event brought together over 40 unhoused veterans, property owners and rental housing providers with on the spot issuance of housing vouchers and connection to property owners with available alt rental units. Click here for photos and videos.

Mayor Karen Bass launched the House Our Veterans initiative on January 2, 2025, which aims to fast-track housing for veterans by urging property owners to accept federal housing vouchers. The initiative builds on efforts to streamline processes, cut red tape, and remove barriers to housing for homeless veterans. With support from the U.S. Department of Treasury's recent exemption of disability benefits from income caps, more veterans are now eligible for housing assistance.

"We are committed to ensuring that no veteran is left behind," said Mayor Karen Bass. "Those who have served our country should not be forced to live on our streets, and this event brings us one step closer to ending homelessness among veterans in Los Angeles."

Key Highlights from the Event:

• Successful Referrals: HACLA successfully issued 21 housing vouchers, providing veterans with more housing opportunities.

• Strong Property Owner Engagement: Property owners and agents, representing multiple properties, actively participated in the Housing Fair, in collaboration with the Homeless Incentives Program (HIP) and HACLA's Housing Navigation Partner, TranSystems.

• Personalized Housing Support: HACLA connected voucher participants, facilitated property viewings, and assisted with completing unit application.

The event also included on-site resources for veterans, including case management services, transportation for same-day unit viewings, and guidance on the application process.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the property owners who are opening their doors to our unhoused veterans," said Lourdes Castro-Ramirez, CEO of HACLA. "Property owners are the backbone of this effort, and we urge them to continue helping us connect veterans to safe and quality housing. Our collective goal is to ensure that every veteran has access to a place to call home, and the supports necessary to stay housed."

Los Angeles has made good, steady progress in reducing veteran homelessness, thanks to the strong partnership with the VA and the efforts of various organizations dedicated to this cause. The collaborative approach between local agencies and property owners is creating a more sustainable pathway to housing for veterans in need.

U.S. Navy Veteran Eugene Harris, who was placed in housing at the event through the HUD-VASH program, shared his thoughts on the experience: "Rapid housing has truly helped me get everything together," Harris said. Reflecting on the overall experience, he added, "Everything was perfect. Everything was straight. I have no complaints."

When asked about the program, Harris described it as "something that is beneficial. It's going to work."

Veterans like Harris, along with others such as U.S. Navy Veteran Harold Hicks, have shared their journeys of perseverance and the importance of reaching out for support. Hicks recalled a pivotal moment when a voice urged him to ask for help: "Mr. Hicks, you're actually failing the mission by not asking for help." He did, and now he expresses gratitude to those who assist veterans in need, saying, "Thank you to those who are making it happen for us veterans out here."

From a landlord's perspective, supporting veterans through housing initiatives is both meaningful and fulfilling. Here's how one landlord views his participation in the program:

"Participating in the HUD-VASH program has been a rewarding experience for me. As the grandson of a World War II army veteran, it feels good to give back to those who have served. My advice to other landlords is to approach the program with an open mind - veterans are good people and it's an opportunity to give back," said Meir Finck of AMF Real Estate Management.

The collaboration between local and federal agencies, along with the dedicated efforts of property owners, promises to create lasting change for veterans, helping them achieve housing stability and independence.

Landlords: for more information email [email protected], call (213) 252-4231 or visit HACLA.org.

Veterans: if you are unhoused and in need of support and housing assistance, call (310) 268-3350.

The HUD-VASH program, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has been working since 2008 to house homeless veterans and their families. The program pairs Section 8 rental assistance vouchers with VA-provided case management and clinical services to help veterans reintegrate into their communities and maintain stable housing.

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) was established in 1938 by City of Los Angeles Resolution No. 1241. HACLA has grown to become one of the nation's largest and leading public housing authorities, providing the largest supply of quality affordable housing to residents of the City of Los Angeles.

Contact:
Claudia Monterrosa, Director of Policy & Innovation
213-252-1871

[email protected]

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