VA’s West Los Angeles Campus: A Battle Over Affordable Housing for Veterans
Background
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has extended its stay of a judge’s order to build housing on the VA’s West Los Angeles campus, setting an expedited April hearing for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ appeal. This decision comes after U.S. District Judge David O. Carter’s fervently pursued goal to have as many as 200 units of temporary housing opened by early next year.
The Dispute
The VA appealed in October against Carter’s sweeping order that it build hundreds of temporary and permanent housing units on the campus, citing that it would cause "irreparable harm" by forcing the agency to divert funds – up to $1 billion for all the housing – from crucial services to veterans. The VA argued that this would divert resources away from essential services, including healthcare and mental health services.
The Judge’s Orders
In the weeks since issuing his judgment, Carter has repeatedly pushed VA officials and veteran plaintiffs’ housing experts to quickly produce modular units on the parking lot of UCLA’s Jackie Robinson stadium and other vacant parcels on the campus. Under pressure from the judge, VA officials have said they could pay for the modest cost of the temporary units and worked with the housing experts to identify sites and provide maps of utilities.
The Appeal
The government’s appeal, filed in November, stalled the purchase of the modular units and blocked the developers’ access to the VA property. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ emergency stay temporarily halted the construction of the temporary housing units.
The Plaintiffs’ Perspective
Plaintiffs’ attorney Mark Rosenbaum of the pro bono firm Public Counsel expressed disappointment with the government’s position, stating, "The government’s action in seeking a stay, claiming a lack of resources, makes a lie of their stated commitment to end veteran homelessness as rapidly as possible."
Conclusion
The battle over affordable housing for veterans on the VA’s West Los Angeles campus continues, with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals set to hear the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ appeal in April. The fate of the proposed temporary housing units, which could potentially provide shelter for hundreds of veterans, hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the purpose of the VA’s West Los Angeles campus?
A: The campus is intended to provide housing and services for veterans. - Q: What is the dispute about?
A: The VA is appealing a court order to build hundreds of temporary and permanent housing units on the campus, citing concerns about funding and resources. - Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has extended its stay of the court order, setting an expedited April hearing for the VA’s appeal.
