County Approves Action Plan to Help Homeless Veterans
Los Angeles County Supervisors have approved a new plan to eliminate veteran homelessness by 2028. The plan focuses on faster housing access, fewer bureaucratic delays, and stronger coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored the plan, called it a moral duty to help those who served the country but now live on the streets. The motion passed 4-0 on November 18, with one supervisor absent.
Red Tape Slowing Progress
Despite ongoing efforts, veterans still face major delays. Hahn said county systems are fragmented, and veterans often struggle with confusing paperwork, inconsistent entry points, and slow verification processes.
One of the biggest problems is verifying someone is a veteran. The new plan calls for the VA to allow self-referral, which could reduce long wait times for housing.
Coordinated Efforts with State and Federal Partners
Jim Zenner, director of the county’s Military and Veterans Affairs office, said the key to success is close collaboration with the VA and state agencies.
“We believe we can get it done,” Zenner told the board. “We are going to get it done.”
Plan Highlights
The plan includes several steps:
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Faster verification: Let veterans self-identify to speed up access to housing.
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Build near workplaces: Find out where veterans work and build housing nearby.
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Coordinate healthcare: Improve mental health and substance abuse services by aligning county and VA resources.
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Support veterans with pets: Remove barriers that prevent veterans from bringing pets into housing.
Veteran Homelessness Trends
There were about 3,050 unhoused veterans in LA County in 2025. That’s down from 3,878 in 2023, but slightly higher than the 2,991 counted in 2024. The plan is expected to help resume the downward trend.
The overall homeless population in the county is over 72,000, according to a February 2025 count. Unsheltered homelessness dropped by 9.5% from the previous year.
Focus on High-Need Communities
Hahn said many homeless veterans are Black or Latino, living in areas like Compton, South Gate, East LA, and Inglewood. These communities face higher unemployment, poverty, and limited VA healthcare access.
Real-World Example in San Pedro
Hahn highlighted a successful project in San Pedro, where an old motel was turned into a veteran resource center. About 60 veterans lived there temporarily while transitioning into permanent housing.
“They just needed a safe, clean place to stay,” Hahn said. “They’ve gone back to school or found work.”
Call for Broader Support
Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported the motion and said the city and county must align their efforts.
“The words ‘homeless’ and ‘veteran’ should never be in the same sentence,” Barger said.
Where to Get Help
Veterans in need can call 310-268-3350 Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For help after hours, dial 2-1-1.
