Plans to build the nation’s largest housing community with support services for veterans and their families took another step forward with the groundbreaking of two more developments that will add another 87 housing units on the West Los Angeles VA North Campus.
The groundbreaking on Friday, May 31, was for a 49-unit building being developed by Century Housing, as well as a 38-unit building intended primarily for female veterans and their children that’s being developed by U.S.VETS, a nonprofit. Once complete, the 80-plus acres that make up the West L.A. VA North Campus will be home to the largest veteran housing development in the U.S., at a price tag of more than $1.4 billion.
The latest groundbreaking “signifies the increased momentum in development of housing and helps solidify the ongoing transformation of the West LA VA campus for those who have previously served our country,” U.S.VETS chief executive Steve Peck said in a statement.
“Once completed, these buildings will be the latest to provide housing options for our highest-need populations experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, including women Veterans, a historically underserved population within the Veteran community,” he added.
At least 1,200 housing units are planned for the West L.A. VA North Campus. To date, 237 units are occupied, with 504 more under construction.
“Ensuring our veterans have access to the housing they need is not only a moral imperative – it’s a debt of honor we owe for the sacrifices they have made in service to our country,” Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, who secured $1.5 million in federal funding for the Century Housing project, said in a statement.
In addition to housing, the VA campus offers wraparound services, including mental health counseling and treatment, case management, career programs and other support services, activities and amenities, including gardens and common areas, for veterans and their families – including those who live off campus.
In the past, the VA campus has hosted special events, such as a Thanksgiving celebration, for veterans and their families.
Last week’s groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives for The Veterans Collective – a nonprofit established by Century Housing, developer Thomas Safran & Associates and U.S.VETS. – and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles. Also in attendance were federal, state and local officials.
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