Veterans often face unique challenges to stable housing, from service-connected disabilities to difficulties navigating support systems.
Public housing authorities (PHAs) across the country are working to improve housing access and stability for former service members by implementing creative housing programs, partnerships, policies, and campaigns. Supported by programs like Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH), the U.S. has made significant strides in reducing veteran homelessness.
Since 2009, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness has decreased by 55%. In fact, veterans are the only group that continues to see declining rates of homelessness year-over-year. This indicates that housing stability and supportive services, provided through HUD-VASH and similar initiatives, are crucial for veterans nationwide. However, many more veterans still require assistance. Today, over 32,000 veterans across the country are estimated to be homeless.
In Los Angeles, housing costs are among the highest in the country. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is developing promising partnerships to reduce homelessness among veterans. Through the House Our Vets campaign, HACLA and partners combine local innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and targeted outreach. Their goal is to ensure the county’s nearly 3,000 homeless veterans find housing and are connected to community and supportive services.
HACLA’s local innovation in Los Angeles
When Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass approached HACLA with the idea of creating a campaign to encourage landlords, businesses, and nonprofits to come together to end veteran homelessness, HACLA was immediately on board and got to work.
Launched in January 2025, House Our Vets is a citywide initiative by HACLA, the mayor’s office, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and other local housing agencies. The campaign aims to speed housing for homeless veterans by streamlining coordination among agencies, landlords, and veterans.
To speed up the housing process, HACLA implemented several key improvements, making participation easier and more effective for both property owners and veterans.
These include:
- Offering dedicated housing locator services to help veterans find suitable units more quickly
- Expediting unit inspections to reduce delays in move-ins
- Providing financial incentives to encourage new landlords to join the program
House Our Vets operates by pairing HUD-VASH vouchers with innovative solutions made possible through local funding. The campaign is powered through the County of Los Angeles’s Homeless Incentive Program (HIP), an initiative funded by a small percentage of local sales tax to address homelessness.
HIP allows HACLA to offer a suite of landlord incentives and support for qualifying veterans, including:
- Security deposit coverage
- Moving assistance and utility set-up funds
- $2,000 per-unit repair financing
- Signing bonuses for landlords who rent to veterans
Although HIP is not specifically targeted to veterans, HACLA adapted the program. This helps close the housing gap and meet the needs of those who have served.
HACLA is walking veterans home
The House Our Vets campaign extends beyond programs and policy, as HACLA ensures that former service members are matched with homes that fit their needs.
HACLA staff, along with VA representatives and landlords, host on-the-spot voucher events at the VA campus and veteran service centers to guide veterans through the housing process in real time. Veterans receive assistance with applications and can obtain immediate approval for a voucher. Afterward, HACLA assists the veteran in meeting with landlords who are ready to provide housing.
“We are working closely with our partners to remove as many barriers as possible, and house more veterans more quickly,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, HACLA President and CEO. “These events, where our staff and partners are creatively meeting veterans where they are, have led to an increase in the number of veterans stably housed. We are grateful to the many property owners who signed up to participate and have made housing units available.”
Since January 2025, HACLA has housed 368 veterans; 99% have remained in stable housing. These events foster community as well as housing stability, with some landlords even purchasing food for participants.
Supporting those who aren’t reached
In 2024, HACLA was awarded 250 new HUD-VASH vouchers. This brings the city’s total allocation for homeless and chronically homeless veterans to 5,115 vouchers. Yet, nearly 3,000 veterans in Los Angeles County still need homes and supportive services.
Through the House Our Vets Campaign, HACLA learned that many veterans in Los Angeles are not connected to the VA. Barriers such as limited transportation, inadequate access to technology, or discomfort with institutions may prevent veterans from seeking help.
With the first push of House Our Vets, HACLA recognized the need for new strategies to reach landlords. They used social media, print, radio, and even celebrity endorsements to connect with landlords across Los Angeles. Now, HACLA plans to target veterans, too. The next phase of the campaign, launching again this Veterans Day and running through June 2026, will focus on service members. By using inclusive language like, “Have you served?” HACLA aims to reach those with diverse experiences. Some do not identify with the term "veteran" but still qualify for help through the campaign.
Sustaining momentum and sharing lessons
The House Our Vets campaign has achieved notable results through local innovation and commitment, housing 368 veterans since January 2025. However, funding for landlord incentives supporting these outcomes is expected to sunset in June 2026.
Even with uncertain funding, HACLA continues to move forward. They are determined to house 100 more new veterans in two short months before expanding outreach into 2026.
Their message to other public housing agencies is clear: impactful change is possible without waiting for federal dollars.
“Most PHAs are working to ensure that no member of their community who has served should live on the streets,” said Ramirez. “The key is to be intentional. Build strong partnerships with the VA, property owners, city and county agencies, and service providers that can bring additional resources. This has been key in Los Angeles.”
This approach offers a key takeaway for housing professionals nationwide. Localized, flexible, and creative methods can make a difference for veterans in your community, even when resources are limited.
Honoring service through action
The House Our Vets campaign demonstrates what happens when local agencies come together to serve those who have served. It's not just about vouchers or incentives; it's about personal connection, collaboration, and compassion.
As the campaign ramps up this Veterans Day, HACLA reminds us that every community can honor veterans—not just with words, but with lasting stability and a home. Opening a home to a veteran is a step toward a better future.
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