Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — The city is building renewed momentum in efforts to address veteran homelessness, as the Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles continues to expand its House Our Vets initiative across the city.
Launched by Mayor Karen Bass in partnership with the Housing Authority and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the initiative is focused on accelerating housing placements for veterans by reducing barriers and increasing participation from property owners willing to accept federal housing vouchers. The work is being carried out by the Housing Authority under the leadership of President and CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez.
That progress was on display at a recent Veterans Housing and Resource Fair held at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles, where veterans, property owners, and service providers came together to connect individuals to housing opportunities and critical support services.
In 2025 alone, the Housing Authority helped house 586 veterans — an increase from 433 in 2024 — while issuing 670 vouchers and processing 688 referrals, reflecting both growing demand and increased system coordination. That momentum is continuing into 2026.
So far this year the Housing Authority has accepted 303 referrals from the VA, issued 280 vouchers, and achieved 234 total housing placements, with 134 additional placements currently in progress, signaling sustained progress in connecting veterans to stable housing.
Together, these efforts point to real, measurable impact: more veterans are moving off the streets and into stable housing, while a growing network of property owners is stepping forward to help make those placements possible.
“Under Mayor Bass’ leadership, we’ve been able to accelerate our efforts to house veterans by removing administrative barriers, providing wrap-around services, and building strong partnerships across the city,” Castro-Ramirez said. “We’re focused on turning that momentum into real results — connecting veterans to housing and working closely with property owners to expand opportunities.”
At the same time, city leaders and housing officials have emphasized the importance of engaging property owners as partners in the effort. Expanding the number of available units remains critical, with outreach focused on increasing awareness and participation across Los Angeles.
“We are proud to be part of the Housing Authority’s House Our Vets initiative,” said Simon Aftalion, a principal at Passo, and participating property owner. “We believe at a fundamental level that those who served our nation should never experience housing instability. Veterans receive the support they need, and the Housing Authority provides the housing access that turns that support into real, lasting outcomes.
“It’s a model that brings veterans into permanent homes with speed and intention, while restoring dignity and stability in their lives,” Aftalion added. “It is a privilege to provide housing for those who have given so much. For us, this work is about honoring service with action and ensuring opportunity follows sacrifice,”
To support that effort, the Housing Authority has implemented a coordinated, multi-channel outreach campaign designed to reach both veterans and property owners across Los Angeles. A strategic mix of digital outreach and community-based visibility efforts has helped expand awareness of the initiative and drive engagement.
Outdoor advertising — bus bench placements — in neighborhoods across the city, has further reinforced the initiative’s presence at the community level — helping ensure that both veterans and property owners are aware of available opportunities to participate.
For veterans, the impact is immediate and life-changing.
“I have no worries. It’s better than being on the streets. I feel like a brand-new person,” said William Herbert Smith Jr., an Army veteran who secured housing through the initiative.
As Los Angeles continues to confront one of its most pressing challenges, the House Our Vets initiative reflects a coordinated, results-driven approach — bringing together city leadership, housing agencies, and community partners to expand access to stable housing for those who have served.
Property owners are encouraged to join the effort to house Los Angeles’ veterans by participating in the House Our Vets initiative, while veterans in need of housing can access available resources and support. To learn more and get connected visit hacla.org/house-our-vets.
