LOS ANGELES COUNTY AWARDED $6.4 MILLION TO HELP HOUSE HOMELESS VETERANS

County Receives Largest Funding Allocation in the Country

Alhambra, CA, December 15, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $46 million to Public Housing Agencies (PHA) across the country to help veterans at risk of experiencing homelessness. The award will help fund 4,875 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers. The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) received the largest allocation of funds to a PHA, totaling $6,418,080, or 500 vouchers.

This allocation is a result of Los Angeles County’s need for more assistance to house veterans experiencing homelessness. The 2020 Los Angeles County Homeless Count found that 2,918 veterans remained unsheltered. Each veteran encounters challenges to maintaining housing – disabilities, substance abuse, mental illness, and a limited supply of affordable supportive housing. Los Angeles County is on a mission to help veterans overcome challenges by obtaining the additional vouchers to secure stable housing and pair it with supportive services, such as health management, personal and financial counseling, and employment services.

Emilio Salas, LACDA Acting Executive Director, said, “We are grateful to HUD for this additional allocation and for helping us address the continuing need. Especially during this uncertain time, we are glad to help 500 more veterans find a safe, affordable home.”

The LACDA partners with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) of Greater Los Angeles to administer the VASH program, which is designed to improve each veteran’s physical and mental health, enhance his/her ability to remain stably housed, and integrate in their local community. The VAMC screens applicants for program eligibility and service needs and refers clients to the LACDA for rental assistance.

Homeless veterans are encouraged to contact the VAMC to determine eligibility by calling (310) 478-3711.