MacArthur Building A, VA’s West Los Angeles campus (Photo: Golden State Photographic)
The VA celebrated the opening of a new housing facility for homeless Veterans on November 14 at its West Los Angeles campus.
MacArthur Building A will provide 75 permanent housing units with amenities like a community garden, gym, and dog park, offering a stable environment for Veterans in need. Officials praised the progress in combating Veteran homelessness, noting that Los Angeles has seen its lowest numbers of homeless Veterans since 2016, with a 23% decrease reported in 2024 compared to the previous year.
While the VA has housed more homeless Veterans in Los Angeles than any other city over the past three years, some argue the department has fallen short of its commitments. MacArthur Building A is part of a larger effort to address homelessness, with seven additional buildings under construction to provide 461 more units by 2025. However, delays in meeting a 2022 goal of 770 units have drawn criticism, as the current total stands at 307.
The celebration was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the VA’s appeal of a federal court order to construct temporary housing on the campus. In October, Judge David O. Carter ordered the VA to build 100 modular units immediately and establish 1,200 permanent units by 2030. The VA argues that funding the modular units would strain its general budget, potentially impacting services at other facilities.
Read: JUDGE RULES WEST LOS ANGELES VA HOUSING POLICY UNFAIR TO DISABLED VETERANS
Judge Carter rejected the VA’s argument, emphasizing the harm faced by homeless Veterans due to delays, saying Veterans will die without adequate shelter. Advocates for homeless Veterans expressed disappointment over the VA’s appeal. Rob Reynolds, an Iraq War Veteran involved in the lawsuit, criticized the decision, calling it a setback for those in need. Amelia Piazza, an attorney representing Veterans in the case, described the VA’s actions as discouraging, arguing that the need for immediate housing is undeniable.
The case also involves the use of campus land by non-VA entities, such as UCLA and Brentwood School, which lease portions of the property. Judge Carter previously ruled these leases invalid, as the land was originally deeded for the benefit of Veterans. UCLA was granted a temporary reprieve to continue using Jackie Robinson Stadium until 2025 after agreeing to increased rent payments.
Read: FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS UCLA STADIUM LOCKDOWN OVER VA LAND USE DISPUTE
Despite the legal challenges, the VA continues efforts to address homelessness through programs like a mobile medical unit, an emergency housing call center, and a “no wrong door” approach to ensure accessible services. These initiatives have helped bring over 500 Veterans off the streets since late 2022. MacArthur Building B is set to open next year, adding an additional 74 units. While the opening of MacArthur Building A brings hope; the ongoing legal battle and delays in meeting housing goals show just how much work remains to support homeless Veterans.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.