November 2023
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The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) is committed to ending Veteran homelessness. Master Plan 2022, which is the framework for transforming the 388-acre West LA VA Medical Center into a fully supportive and empowering community with at least 1,200 units of permanent supportive housing, is a key component in that effort. VAGLAHS’ Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS) connects Veterans to this permanent supportive housing at the West LA VA as well as throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. CERS also provides emergency and transitional shelter, as well as employment opportunities, health care, and justice-and reentry-related services, helping roughly 16,000 Veterans each year.
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Permanent Supportive Housing Progress
Work continues on new permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless Veterans at West LA VA. Construction is on five Veteran housing projects for a total of 374 Veteran housing units with completion set for late CY2024 / early CY2025. Crews are in various stages of construction, with some units already featuring cabinets and new appliances. Projects include new construction as well as historic preservation/adaptive re-use of existing structures. Below are some recent images of work in progress.
Stand Down Sees 65% Increase in Veteran Attendance Year Over Year
From live music to sizzling barbecue to over $150,000 worth of donated items distributed by VA’s Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE), the mood was lively and fun at the 2023 Stand Down on October 25, 2023.
834 Veterans (65% more than last year) attended to access housing assistance and a myriad of other benefits and services from VA and community partners in one centralized location.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Army Veteran Pamela Richardson (pictured below) of the event. “I’ve always had a great time at Stand Downs.”
Read all about the Stand Down in our latest blog post. https://bit.ly/3QlnuPa
 Army Veteran Pamela Richardson (right) and daughter Traci Richardson (left) attended the 2023 GLA Stand Down event to access pet services. More than 800 Veterans came out for the largest annual event serving unhoused and at-risk Veterans and their families, a 65% increase over last year’s attendance. Photo by Cara Deptula.
Veterans Cook Up Camaraderie in Weekly Healthy Eating Class
Every Friday around lunchtime, between the towering trees behind Building 220 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, a group of Veterans from all walks of life gather to cook, eat and strengthen their sense of community.
Together they make up a Whole Health class offering that gives Veterans the chance to practice cooking skills, learn about healthy eating and spend time together.
“It’s about the hands-on experience and this idea of what it means to actually eat healthy,” said Dr. Capone-Newton, a physician based in Whole Health who’s been teaching the class since its inception.
Read all about the class in a recent blog post. https://bit.ly/3Qkic6O
 Navy Veteran Benny Rodriguez helps prepare ingredients for a weekly healthy eating class, held Fridays at 11 a.m. behind Building 220 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Photo by Hannah Sentenac.
Rides On-Demand for Just $1
Need a ride to the grocery store, Westwood Village, or your favorite local restaurant? Veterans living at the West LA VA Medical Center or visiting for a medical appointment can get a ride on Metro Micro for just $1!
This easy-to-order, on-demand service from LA County Metro can be accessed online, by phone or by using the app. There are several pick-up and drop-off locations on the West LA VA campus to make it easy to hop on and get around the Westside, or connect to other public transit options.
It’s fast, safe, and convenient for Veterans on the go and also available for VA staff.
Book your trip online at https://micro.metro.net/ or call 323.Go.Metro (323.466.3876) and choose Option 5.
Safe Travels!
Homeless Veterans Dental Program Fixes Smiles, Changes Lives
When you meet Army Veteran Jimmy Villanueva, he’s quick to flash a smile. But that wasn’t always the case. For more than two decades, the former transport and supply soldier was living without most of his front teeth due to a motorcycle accident.
Now, Villanueva has a mouthful of pearly whites thanks to VA’s Homeless Veterans Dental Program (HVDP), an initiative which provides dental services to homeless and at-risk Veterans to improve the quality of their lives.
“They’re very professional, very clean, very polite, and always make me feel comfortable,” said Villanueva of his experience with VA dental staff.
Find out if you qualify in a recent blog post at https://bit.ly/49gxH8e.
 Army Veteran Jimmy Villanueva smiles as he talks about his experience with the Homeless Veterans Dental Program (HVDP), where staff fitted him with top and bottom partial dentures after an accident two decades ago left him without most of his front teeth. Photo by Cara Deptula.
Purple Line Extension Update
Can you dig it?
Construction crews for LA Metro certainly can and they’ve been doing just that for several years now at West LA VA Medical Center for the Purple Line Subway Extension Transit Project, which, when completed in 2027, promises to transport Veterans and VA staff from the Westside to Downtown LA in roughly 35 minutes.
Crews recently breached the top of the main subway tunnel at West LA VA so that they can begin building the future VA station and adjacent plaza.
LA Metro has also begun work to expand parking for the medical center. Projects include a new parking structure for patients and staff and expanded surface parking lots. Construction on expanded lots near Building 527 and the main hospital are expected to begin mid-December.
 Recent photo of the Purple Line Subway Extension construction at the West LA VA Medical Center. Photo by Victor Espinoza Cortez.
2023 VAGLAHS Veteran Housing Goals
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To secure permanent housing for 1,500 Veterans
Progress to Date: 1,464 Veterans permanently housed in 2023 (97.6% of goal)
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To maintain 90% Veteran housing retention rate
Progress to Date: 92.2% housing retention rate
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To engage 1,888 unsheltered Veterans
Progress to Date: 1,914 Veteran Contacts (101.4% percent of goal)
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Data as of October 2023
Important Resources Section
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