A Long-Overdue Shift: Executive Order Aims to Restore West LA VA Campus to Homeless Veterans

For decades, the 388-acre West Los Angeles VA campus—originally donated in 1888 to serve disabled veterans—has been a symbol of misused intent. Despite its purpose to house and care for veterans, much of the land was leased to private entities, including the UCLA baseball team and a private school. These arrangements generated revenue, but failed to address the worsening crisis of veteran homelessness in Los Angeles, where over 3,000 former service members remain unhoused.

That’s finally changing, I hope.

On May 9, 2025, the President signed an executive order to create the National Center for Warrior Independence on this very land. The new center will provide housing and rehabilitation services for up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028. This move marks a return to the campus's founding mission—providing a safe haven and restorative resources for those who’ve served our nation.

The order comes amid pressure from ongoing litigation and public outcry over the government’s failure to prioritize veteran welfare. Courts have already ruled that at least 1,800 permanent housing units must be built on the campus—a decision the VA previously appealed. This executive action finally acknowledges those calls, with VA Secretary Doug Collins admitting that the property suffered from “decades of mismanagement.”

The move also comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom releases $3.3 billion in funds to address homelessness more broadly, reinforcing the urgency of repurposing public land for housing. It is estimated that CA has an estimated 187,000 homeless, many of whom are veterans. 

As someone deeply connected to the military community, I’ve worked with countless veterans transitioning out of service. It's heartbreaking to see land meant for healing and dignity being turned into a revenue-generating tool for private institutions. This order is a step in the right direction.

Let’s keep the conversation going. We need continued oversight to ensure promises become action—and that veterans are never left behind.

📌 If you’re a veteran navigating your next steps, whether it’s housing, relocation, or investment, I’d be honored to help.

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🔗 Original article on Military.com

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