Feinstein: $35.5 Million for Homeless Veteran Housing in Los Angeles is ‘One Step Closer’

Senate committees approve critical funding to reverse high number of homeless at West LA Veterans Administration Medical Center

Washington, DC – July 1 30, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced that legislation to spend $35.5 million to address a severe shortage of housing options for homeless veterans in Los Angeles has passed committee and will advance to the full Senate.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee favorably reported language for this project on Wednesday.  Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee followed by passing legislation endorsing the swift approval of this project.

“We are one step closer to finally getting help and essential housing to the most vulnerable veterans in Los Angeles as they adjust to civilian life,” said Senator Feinstein.  “These men and women sacrificed their wellbeing for our safety, and it is incumbent upon us to put an end to the poor conditions they face.”

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Feinstein included an amendment to the FY2012 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.  The amendment expresses support for the men and women who have served our nation but have fallen on hard times, and authorizes the Veterans Administration to renovate Building 209 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

Last year Senator Feinstein secured a commitment from the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, to renovate three buildings on the West LA VA Medical Center campus to help accommodate the additional services for the 8,131 homeless veterans in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

“One out of every 10 veterans without a roof over their head lives in Los Angeles.  That is completely unacceptable and an absolute tragedy,” said Senator Feinstein.  “This legislation must still be passed by the full Senate and the House of Representatives, and I am firmly committed to seeing this project through to completion.”