Ushering In A New Beginning for Veterans at the West LA VA North Campus

The Veterans Collective
3 min readMay 24, 2023

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The renovated Building 207 recently welcomed formerly unhoused senior Veterans to their new homes.

The Veterans Collective opened the doors of its first completed building on the West LA VA North Campus this past March, welcoming formerly unhoused senior Veterans to their new homes. This is a significant step in our progress to transform the West LA VA North Campus into a Veteran-serving community for our nation’s heroes. As of June, 237 units of housing will be complete with an additional 380 units financed and under construction, representing more than 50% of the units planned for development under the Master Plan.

Right now, 42 Veterans are settling into their new homes at Building 207, which was developed by TVC partner Thomas Safran and Associates, and are gaining a sense of stability that they have long deserved. While this is an exciting time for residents, it is also a period of great transition and vulnerability. That’s why TVC is committed to helping residents navigate the transition from homelessness to housed by not only providing a safe space to live but also critical services to help them thrive.

TVC partner U.S.VETS, and the VA are working together to provide a wide range of supportive services and resources tailored to the individual needs of L.A.’s diverse Veteran populations. Senior Veterans living in the studio and one-bedroom apartments at Building 207 have access to essential services right at home, such as:

  • Resident intake: TVC partner U.S.VETS welcomes Veterans to the North Campus through a comprehensive resident intake process with its services team on the ground to ensure residents have everything they need upon move-in, which includes financial support so their rental deposit is covered.
  • Case management: Throughout their time on campus, Veterans have case managers onsite who are dedicated to ensuring Veterans are supported and able to access the resources they need.
  • Behavioral health and substance abuse counseling: Veterans can access counseling services on site to help address any underlying issues that are impacting their stability and wellbeing.
  • Nutritional resources: TVC partners with nonprofit organizations including Meals on Wheels, the West Side Food Bank, Village for Vets, the Community Farmer’s Market, and more to ensure that Veterans have access to healthy food.
  • Transportation services: Veterans will be able to easily access the LA region via the Wilshire Transit Center beginning in 2027. This transit center will include access to the Metro Purple Line, currently being expanded to serve the VA hospital campus, as well as bus stops and a community shuttle service.
  • Professional development opportunities: Based on residents’ individual interests, U.S.VETS offers workshops to help Veterans develop technology skills, financial literacy, and more.

Building 207 is more than just a housing complex; it’s a community where Veterans can find support and a sense of belonging. Through the collaborative efforts of U.S.VETS, residents are provided with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in this new chapter of their lives:

  • Residents have access to a wide variety of amenities in their new home, including exercise facilities, a kitchen and recreation area, as well as outdoor space to gather with friends, family, and other Veterans living on campus.
  • TVC regularly hosts events and activities to help build a sense of community and camaraderie among Veterans now living on campus. Most recently, we hosted a meet and greet for Veterans to discuss transitioning to permanent housing and having a space of their own.

By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, Building 207 serves as a model for communities aiming to create a positive impact on the lives of Veterans, helping them achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and a sense of independence.

This ambitious project wouldn’t be possible without our generous donors who have made significant investments in the Veterans Promise Campaign, which is funding the development of housing, services, and on-campus amenities for our Veterans.

Thanks to generous philanthropic support from Joe & Faye Czyzyk, John R. and M. Margrite Davis Foundation, Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wells Fargo and more, we are launching services across the campus. From accessible transportation to our first homeless outreach, these dedicated partners are helping to turn our campus into a thriving community.

To learn more about the ongoing community development of the North Campus by The Veterans Collective partnership, visit TheVeteransCollective.org.

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The Veterans Collective

Transforming the West L.A. VA North Campus into the largest supportive housing community for homeless and at-risk veterans and their families.