Mayor Karen Bass unveiled a new 100% affordable housing project Tuesday, March 31, a short distance away from the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center – a 53-unit development that developers say will provide dozens of veterans, including many who have struggled with homelessness, a safe and permanent place to call home.
Directing her remarks to the veterans in attendance at the event, stated her commitment to ensuring that no former servicemember is left to sleep on the streets of LA.
“When I took office, it could take years just to approve an affordable housing project in Los Angeles,” said Bass. “A maze of bureaucracy and years of inaction by past city leaders left far too many Angelenos and too many veterans sleeping on our streets,” she said. “We never hesitate to fund war, but when those young Americans come home, too often we fail them – and that’s unacceptable. That’s why my administration is cutting red tape, building affordable housing faster than ever, and, for the first time in our city’s history, actually reducing homelessness for Veterans and all Angelenos.”
“I wouldn’t be here today without the mayor’s push to help homeless veterans. It literally saved my life, and that’s no exaggeration,” said Army veteran David Sinatra.“After two long, painful years living out of my truck, I finally have a place to call home and have my life back. I’m just one veteran who fell on hard times, but there are so many more like me. Thank you to Mayor Bass, the VA, HACLA and all the property owners and developers who are helping us get a fresh start.”
“Thanks to our partnership with Mayor Bass, the VA, and property owners stepping up, nearly 800 veterans now have stable homes,” said Lourdes Castro Ramírez, president and CEO of HACLA. “This is the impact of a coordinated, nimble government response and the generosity of owners who open their doors to those who served our country. With streamlined leasing and a dedicated online portal, we’re moving faster than ever to get veterans housed – and keep them housed.”