LOS ANGELES, CA (December 19, 2025) — The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA) today announced the launch of the Veteran Housing Navigation Program (VHNP), a new countywide effort designed to accelerate housing placements for homeless and justice-involved veterans and strengthen long-term housing stability across all five Supervisorial Districts.

“We have our sights set on the federal benchmarks for ending veteran homelessness and the County’s investment in standing up this program is further proof our Board is fully invested in the One Team partnership with our federal, state, and city partners,” said MVA Director Jim Zenner. “Our veterans who are experiencing homelessness on our streets deserve nothing less than the level of devotion to the mission they maintained during their military service from the staff employed to assist them getting off the street. That has been and will continue to be my expectation on the road to meeting this Countywide goal.”

The program supports the County’s broader strategy to end veteran homelessness by expanding dedicated housing navigation services and improving coordination across agencies and providers. Through One Team, a collaboration that unites Los Angeles County departments, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, housing partners, and community organizations, VHNP enhances system alignment and strengthens the collective effort to connect veterans with permanent housing and sustained support.

“I think we all feel a collective shame that any veteran finds themselves living on our streets. We have made progress getting veterans housed and cared for, but we have to do more, and we have to do better,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District. “This new program is designed to break down the bureaucratic barriers that have existed between departments and ultimately get more veterans connected to permanent housing more quickly. Our veterans don’t just deserve our praise – they are owed our support and our care.”

Housing Navigator teams in each Supervisorial District provide hands-on assistance with housing searches, unit identification, document readiness, landlord engagement, transportation to viewings, and help with rental applications. Navigators also connect veterans to employment support, behavioral health care, legal advocacy, and VA benefits as part of a comprehensive stabilization plan.

Earlier this year, a coordinated team from MVA, the VA, and County partners helped Gar, a 59-year-old veteran, move from unsheltered homelessness to a permanent home after entering interim housing through the Pathway Home program. His experience, featured in “A Pathway Home for Gar,” shows what targeted navigation and cross-agency coordination can accomplish while also underscoring the barriers many veterans still face in securing permanent housing. The Veteran Housing Navigation Program is designed to meet that need by adding dedicated navigators whose primary focus is helping veterans move into stable housing as quickly as possible.

By accelerating placements, reducing administrative and practical barriers, and strengthening communication across providers, VHNP fills a critical gap in the veteran homelessness response system. Navigators work closely with the Veteran Coordinated Entry System to ensure timely referrals, a coordinated experience, and ongoing support that helps veterans remain stably housed.

“Stories like Gar’s show us that stability is possible when the right support meets a person’s determination,” said Sarah Mahin, Director of the Department of Homeless Services and Housing. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with MVA to ensure the people who served their country receive the services and housing resources they deserve.”

VHNP further strengthens cross-agency alignment by coordinating with County departments, the VA, nonprofit housing providers, and community partners through the One Team framework. This collective approach ensures that housing navigation, supportive services, and stabilization efforts remain integrated, consistent, and centered on the needs of veterans.

As Los Angeles County continues to strengthen its response to veteran homelessness, the Veteran Housing Navigation Program plays a critical role in expanding support and improving coordination across systems. VHNP not only connects veterans to permanent housing but also opens the door for new partners to get involved. Landlords willing to rent to veterans, community organizations looking to support housing efforts, and veterans seeking assistance are encouraged to contact MVA. Every unit, partnership, and outreach call helps move the County closer to ending veteran homelessness.

Resources for Veterans: Veterans experiencing homelessness can call 310-268-3350 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) for same-day housing assistance, or 211 for after-hours support. Additional resources are available at: va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/health-services/homeless-veteran-care

How to Connect with MVA:

• Call 877-4LA-VETS (877-452-8387), Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Email intake@mva.lacounty.gov
• Submit a form at mva.lacounty.gov/contact-us
• Access in-person services across Los Angeles County at mva.lacounty.gov/contact-us