LA Veterans Eager to Return Home: How Trump’s New Order Offers Hope and Relief

On a chilly morning in Los Angeles, Iraq War veteran Irving Webb scrambled to clear his makeshift camp. Sanitation workers were on-site, ready to clean the very sidewalk where he had spent many nights. Webb, visibly sweating, loaded his belongings into a shopping cart.

“I’ve been here for five years,” he shared, frustration evident in his voice. “This is like the fifth time in the last month.”

This scene is common outside the vast Veterans Affairs (VA) campus in West LA. Surprisingly, LA has the highest number of homeless veterans in the U.S., despite having a 388-acre facility meant for their care. Over the years, the space has faced criticism for being leased out for non-veteran uses, including sports facilities and commercial activities. This has raised concerns about whether the needs of veterans are truly being prioritized.

Recent legal challenges have pushed the VA to act, resulting in some housing projects, including temporary shelters. However, many veterans seeking housing still find themselves without options on cold nights. Rob Reynolds, an Iraq veteran and advocate for LA’s homeless veterans, observed, “There are times when veterans show up, and there just isn’t enough room.”

According to a recent study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, approximately 37,000 veterans were homeless in 2022, with 7,500 in California alone. Some experts suggest that a lack of adequate mental health resources complicates the issue. Veterans with mental health issues or substance abuse concerns often struggle the most.

“Imagine needing care but not being able to access it,” Reynolds said. “Housing close to treatment facilities is crucial.”

Hope for a Change

In a turn of events, an executive order from the White House in May sparked new hope. It aims to transform the VA campus into a center dedicated to housing veterans. This includes plans to accommodate 6,000 veterans by 2028, a number that exceeds the current homeless veteran population in LA. Many hope this will address long-standing issues surrounding veterans’ housing needs.

Yet, doubts linger regarding the plan. Critics, including Congressman Brad Sherman, have raised concerns about its feasibility, suggesting it feels more like a campaign statement than a solid proposal. “It seems like just kind of a campaign press release saying President Trump loves veterans and hates undocumented immigrants,” he commented.

Legal hurdles have delayed necessary construction on the VA campus. Advocates have been pushing for public-private partnerships to mobilize resources. “If the government can secure $3.3 billion to build housing, that could change everything,” Sherman said.

While advocates like Reynolds are optimistic, they recognize that they need real, actionable plans. “We don’t care who takes credit as long as it’s done properly,” said Steve Peck from the West LA Veterans Collective. They envision not just shelters, but a complete community with parks and services where veterans can thrive.

The struggles of veterans in Los Angeles highlight a greater systemic issue. Historical neglect of veterans’ needs in urban areas reveals a pressing need for honest discussions and effective solutions. As more veterans like Webb continue to struggle, the urgency for comprehensive, sustainable solutions grows stronger.