LOS ANGELES, CA (December 29, 2025) — U.S. Army Veteran Wesley Clemans and his wife were supported in transitioning into interim housing through a coordinated, veteran-centered outreach and placement effort on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, along Broadway Avenue in the Compton Sheriff’s Station area, after county teams worked across agencies to build trust and align the right resources to meet their medical, family and personal needs with dignity and care.
The effort was led by the Central Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) in partnership with the Veterans HOST (VHOST), Veterans Mental Evaluation Team (VMET), Veteran Peer Access Network Supervisor District 2 (VPAN SD2), the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA), the Chief Executive Office of Homeless Initiatives (CEO-HI), and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), following weeks of outreach and coordination.
As the team met with Clemans, hesitation was evident and rooted in years of unmet expectations. Rather than rushing the process, VPAN SD2 Battle Buddy Arman Feldman, a Marine Corps veteran with lived experience, focused on meeting Clemans where he was and creating space for trust.
“As a fellow veteran, especially one who has suffered from PTSD and homelessness, I knew what Mr. Clemans was going through,” said Feldman. “I got down on a knee and slowed the process down for him. I wanted him to know that even though there were a lot of moving parts, it was all for his well-being.”
Feldman explained that many veterans approach outreach with caution, shaped by past experiences and a fear of hidden motives. Establishing intent clearly and respectfully was essential to moving forward.
“Most veterans feel that the only reason someone wants to do anything kind for them is because there is a hidden agenda,” said Feldman. “I let Mr. Clemans know that the only agenda that day was to serve a veteran who had served honorably.”
The placement required close coordination across multiple teams, each contributing expertise while maintaining a shared focus on respect and veteran-centered care.
“What made this collaboration work was a common desire to help a veteran who was suffering and the respect every single member of the team had for our country’s troops and veterans,” said Feldman.
As conversations continued, two practical concerns became central for Clemans and his wife: ensuring the safety of their cats and securing transportation for their personal belongings. These details played a critical role in the couple’s willingness to accept assistance.
“Pets are family members,” said Feldman. “When everyone else and society has failed us, betrayed us, used us, and spit us back out, pets have been there — loyal and always loving. To leave a pet behind is to betray the morals and principles we have been trained by.”
Feldman also emphasized the importance of honoring a veteran’s sense of identity and dignity through their personal belongings.
“Our belongings, even though they are not important in the bigger scheme of things, are all we have,” said Feldman. “It makes us feel human, gives us a sense of ownership, and gives us a way to justify our human value and worth.”
With assistance from Animal Control, both cats were safely secured and later delivered once the couple was settled. Feldman volunteered to transport the couple’s belongings, ensuring nothing was left behind.
During transport to the interim housing site in East Los Angeles, Clemans shared his personal history, including his service as an Army medic, the loss of both parents, and significant medical challenges in recent years. He also shared that this was the first time anyone had clearly explained the VA benefits he was eligible to receive.
“The only way I made sense of it all and got the help I needed was because another veteran helped guide me and show me the way,” said Feldman. “It was an honor and a privilege to do the same for Mr. Clemans.”
Upon arrival at the Courtyard Inn, the team coordinated with hotel staff to ensure continuity of care, while LAHSA outreach workers assisted with unloading belongings. Follow-up support will continue through the Central HOST, VHOST and VMET teams.
Looking ahead, Feldman emphasized that this placement represents the beginning — not the end — of the journey.
“The journey for Mr. and Mrs. Clemans has just begun,” said Feldman. “I am so happy that they have a stable roof over their heads, but there is so much more ahead. As their personal battle buddy, I will help make their dreams turn into a reality.”
Story by Ashley Cohen, Public Information Associate, Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Photos Courtesy of Veteran Mental Evaluation Team (VMET)/ Veteran Homeless Outreach Services Team (VHOST)
