Los Angeles, California - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert A. McDonald and attorneys representing homeless veterans in Los Angeles announced a historic agreement that dedicates the West Los Angeles VA campus to serving veterans in need.  The agreement is an important step forward in carrying out President Obama’s commitment that no veteran should live on the streets, or forego available medical and psychological services. 

Today pursuant to this agreement, VA is releasing its written plan to help end veteran homeless in Greater Los Angeles.  The plan focuses on serving veterans, particularly homeless veterans, women veterans, aging veterans and veterans that are severely disabled.  VA’s efforts will be done in coordination with pertinent Federal, State, and local authorities; legislators; Veteran Service Organizations; Faith Based organizations; community partners; charitable organizations; and Veterans.  As part of this Plan, VA is committed to utilizing the West Los Angeles Medical Center in a more Veteran-centric manner going forward. 

“This plan demonstrates what can be accomplished for our Nation’s veterans when we come together as a community – everyone working together toward the higher goal,” said Secretary McDonald.  “This is an important first step toward ending Veteran homelessness in Greater LA and a model of what we will do across the country.”

 See the plan: http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Veterans-Homelessness-Strategy-and-Action-Plan.pdf