A federal appeals court has upheld a landmark ruling requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to construct over 2,500 housing units for unhoused veterans on its West Los Angeles campus.The US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the VA to build 750 temporary units within 18 months and 1,800 permanent housing units within six years, marking a crucial victory for veterans' rights and housing access in the region.
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laist.comhomeofthebrave.substack.comThe ruling, issued on December 12, 2023, found that the VA had "strayed from its mission" by leasing land to commercial interests, such as a baseball field for UCLA and a sports complex for Brentwood School, rather than focusing on the needs of veterans.Judge Ana de Alba emphasized the plight of unhoused veterans, stating, "There are now scores of unhoused veterans trying to survive in and around the greater Los Angeles area despite the acres of land deeded to the VA for their care".
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laist.compasadenanow.comThe case, Powers v.McDonough, was initiated by a group of disabled veterans who argued that the lack of on-campus housing prevented them from accessing essential healthcare services.The ruling is seen as a potential turning point in the fight against veteran homelessness, which affects an estimated 3,000 veterans in Los Angeles alone.
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homeofthebrave.substack.comdailyjournal.comMark Rosenbaum, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, described the ruling as "the most important ruling in the history of this country concerning the rights of veterans." He expressed hope that this decision would lead to the end of veteran homelessness in the area, stating, "After this case, there should be no such thing as a homeless veteran".
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laist.comhomeofthebrave.substack.comThe Ninth Circuit's decision largely affirms a previous ruling by US District Judge David O.Carter, who found that the VA had discriminated against disabled veterans by failing to provide adequate housing on the 388-acre property, which was originally deeded for their care in 1888.The court's order also invalidated several commercial leases that did not primarily benefit veterans, including those with Brentwood School and Bridgeland Resources, while allowing UCLA's lease for its baseball stadium to remain intact, a point that Rosenbaum plans to challenge further.
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homeofthebrave.substack.compubliccounsel.orgpasadenanow.comThe ruling mandates that the VA must not only construct the required housing units but also ensure that veterans' disability payments do not count against their eligibility for supportive housing.This change is expected to facilitate access to housing for many veterans who have been previously excluded due to income restrictions tied to their benefits.
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publiccounsel.orgpasadenanow.comRob Reynolds, an Iraq War veteran and advocate for veterans, called the ruling "long overdue," emphasizing that veterans should not have to fight for access to housing and services after serving their country.He noted that the ruling could pave the way for similar actions across the country, allowing disabled veterans to demand the housing and care they deserve.
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homeofthebrave.substack.compasadenanow.comThe appeals court's decision has been met with mixed reactions from the entities involved.While Brentwood School expressed a willingness to work with the VA and the plaintiffs to create an agreement that benefits veterans, UCLA has maintained its position regarding its lease, which Rosenbaum argues does not primarily serve veterans' interests.
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homeofthebrave.substack.comdailyjournal.comAs the case returns to the District Court for implementation, advocates are hopeful that the construction of housing units will proceed swiftly, especially as the need for immediate solutions grows more urgent with the onset of winter.The ruling is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that the West LA VA campus fulfills its original purpose of providing a home for veterans, as articulated by Judge Carter: "What was once a home for disabled soldiers must fully reopen its gates and become a robust community for veterans once again".
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publiccounsel.orgpasadenanow.comThe implications of this ruling extend beyond Los Angeles, potentially influencing how veterans are supported and housed nationwide.As the dialogue around veteran homelessness continues, advocates stress the importance of ongoing policy reform to ensure that veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.
