In a significant move to combat veteran homelessness, President Donald Trump has directed Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles VA campus. The initiative aims to provide housing and support services for up to 6,000 veterans by 2028, addressing a critical issue in Los Angeles, which is home to approximately 3,000 homeless veterans—about 10% of the nation’s total.
The newly planned center will focus on self-sufficiency, offering housing, substance abuse treatment, and workforce reintegration programs to help veterans transition into stable and productive lives. The executive order also reallocates funds previously used for housing and services for undocumented immigrants toward the construction and operation of the center.
The West Los Angeles VA campus has long been embroiled in legal disputes over its use. Parts of the property are leased to non-veteran tenants, including a private school and UCLA’s baseball team. A federal judge ruled in 2024 that such leases were illegal, reinforcing the push to reclaim the space exclusively for veteran care.
VA Secretary Doug Collins praised the directive, calling it a “major step in resolving long-standing issues within the department.” The VA has 120 days to present a detailed action plan to the White House, marking the beginning of a massive transformation to restore dignity and stability to thousands of American heroes.
This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritizing veterans in federal care efforts, ensuring that those who have served the country receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
For more details, visit the official White House announcement.
