LA County Aims to End Veteran Homelessness by 2028

County Approves Action Plan to Help Homeless Veterans

Los Angeles County Supervisors have approved a new plan to eliminate veteran homelessness by 2028. The plan focuses on faster housing access, fewer bureaucratic delays, and stronger coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored the plan, called it a moral duty to help those who served the country but now live on the streets. The motion passed 4-0 on November 18, with one supervisor absent.

Red Tape Slowing Progress

Despite ongoing efforts, veterans still face major delays. Hahn said county systems are fragmented, and veterans often struggle with confusing paperwork, inconsistent entry points, and slow verification processes.

One of the biggest problems is verifying someone is a veteran. The new plan calls for the VA to allow self-referral, which could reduce long wait times for housing.

Coordinated Efforts with State and Federal Partners

Jim Zenner, director of the county’s Military and Veterans Affairs office, said the key to success is close collaboration with the VA and state agencies.

“We believe we can get it done,” Zenner told the board. “We are going to get it done.”

Plan Highlights

The plan includes several steps:

  • Faster verification: Let veterans self-identify to speed up access to housing.

  • Build near workplaces: Find out where veterans work and build housing nearby.

  • Coordinate healthcare: Improve mental health and substance abuse services by aligning county and VA resources.

  • Support veterans with pets: Remove barriers that prevent veterans from bringing pets into housing.

Veteran Homelessness Trends

There were about 3,050 unhoused veterans in LA County in 2025. That’s down from 3,878 in 2023, but slightly higher than the 2,991 counted in 2024. The plan is expected to help resume the downward trend.

The overall homeless population in the county is over 72,000, according to a February 2025 count. Unsheltered homelessness dropped by 9.5% from the previous year.

Focus on High-Need Communities

Hahn said many homeless veterans are Black or Latino, living in areas like Compton, South Gate, East LA, and Inglewood. These communities face higher unemployment, poverty, and limited VA healthcare access.

Real-World Example in San Pedro

Hahn highlighted a successful project in San Pedro, where an old motel was turned into a veteran resource center. About 60 veterans lived there temporarily while transitioning into permanent housing.

“They just needed a safe, clean place to stay,” Hahn said. “They’ve gone back to school or found work.”

Call for Broader Support

Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported the motion and said the city and county must align their efforts.

“The words ‘homeless’ and ‘veteran’ should never be in the same sentence,” Barger said.

Where to Get Help

Veterans in need can call 310-268-3350 Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For help after hours, dial 2-1-1.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Lifts Emergency Declaration on Homelessness

“The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” Bass says

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has lifted the city’s local emergency declaration on homelessness, a measure she signed on her first day in office. While the crisis continues, Bass stated that the city now has the tools to maintain momentum without the special powers granted by the order.

In a memo to the City Council, Bass said she would not hesitate to reinstate the declaration if needed. Her decision comes as council members discuss how to gradually wind down the emergency powers.

“Therefore, with the city firmly pointed in a new direction on homelessness, I am lifting the official declaration of a state of emergency. Let me be clear: The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” Bass wrote. “Every day, we will continue to be on the streets, engaging with people living in encampments and RVs, bringing people Inside Safe and restoring neighborhoods across Los Angeles.”

The emergency order allowed the mayor to fast-track contracts and launch Inside Safe, her signature homelessness response program. She also signed Executive Directive 1 to streamline approvals for homeless shelters and affordable housing. The city is now working to formalize that directive into law.

Bass cited progress in her decision, pointing to Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority data showing a second straight year of reduced homelessness, including a 17% drop in people living on the streets.

The City Council had most recently extended the declaration in August. Councilmembers Tim McOsker and Monica Rodriguez have since led efforts to end it. Under the City Charter, the Council must vote on emergency declarations at least every 90 days.

Council reports requested during the last extension aimed to ensure smooth transitions for service providers and housing operations if the emergency ended.

Emergency declarations allow the mayor to bypass bidding rules and speed up contracts tied to the crisis. But continuing a declaration requires regular evaluation of its impact. Key indicators include encampment reductions, more housing placements, and increased affordable housing.

McOsker acknowledged the declaration helped break through bureaucracy during a critical time. “That declaration was necessary and effective, but emergency declarations are meant to be temporary,” he said. “At some point those powers must conclude.”

He added that lifting the order allows the city to shift toward more standard procedures, improving transparency and public accountability. “Ending the emergency restores normal rules for contracts and property use, giving residents better visibility on how public resources are spent.”

The Council is also creating a new bureau within the Housing Department to oversee homelessness programs and spending.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County is withdrawing over $300 million in Measure A funds from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and plans to move staff to support a new homelessness department.