(Washington, D.C.) — Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) applauds the recent court decision that addresses the improper use of the West Los Angeles (West LA) Veterans Affairs (VA) campus, ensuring that the land will finally be used as intended—to house disabled veterans. In response to this decision, VVA National President Jack McManus said, “this ruling is a crucial step forward in combating veteran homelessness, particularly in the Los Angeles area, where nearly 3,000 veterans remain without permanent homes.”
The decision mandates the termination of illegal land-use agreements that have allowed private entities, such as a private school and a baseball team, to occupy valuable land designated for veterans’ housing. VVA has long championed the cause of veterans’ rights to access services and housing on lands specifically allocated for their benefit. This outcome aligns with VVA’s core belief that the West LA campus must prioritize the needs of veterans, especially those suffering from disabilities and homelessness.
President McManus emphasized the significance of the decision – “For decades, the misuse of this land has stood in stark contrast to the government’s original promise to provide housing and care for America’s disabled veterans. Despite repeated warnings and unmet commitments from the federal government to address veteran homelessness, the West LA campus continued to lease land to private interests at the expense of veterans in need. This ruling finally rectifies that historical wrong and reaffirms the purpose of the West LA campus as a sanctuary for veterans.”
This victory is not just about reclaiming land; it is about saving lives. By enforcing the lawful use of this property, the court has paved the way for the creation of 1,800 permanent supportive housing units, a crucial step toward fulfilling the promise of ending veteran homelessness in the region. The housing will provide much-needed accommodations for veterans with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the critical healthcare services offered at the West LA VA Medical Center.
VVA commends the court’s recognition that veterans’ needs must take priority and calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to expedite the development of supportive housing on the West LA campus. The time for action is now. This decision represents a moral obligation to veterans who have served their country honorably, and VVA will continue to fight until every veteran has a place to call home.
