Trump’s Unfunded Promise to House 6,000 Homeless Veterans in Los Angeles

President Donald Trump signed a 2022 executive order to build a National Center for Warrior Independence (NCWI) on the West Los Angeles VA campus, promising housing for 6,000 homeless veterans by Jan 1, 2028. The FY 2027 budget released in April allocated zero dollars for new construction, leaving the pledge unfunded.

The Independent

The 387-acre West Los Angeles VA site, granted to veterans in 1888, has faced lawsuits, encampments and mismanaged leases. Courts ordered additional housing in the past 15 years; Biden’s appeal was rejected and Trump administration renewed the appeal in early 2024 despite its housing pledge.

The Independent

VA data show bed capacity rose from 955 to 1,377 in first year of Trump’s term, but officials say increase did not come from the NCWI order. Campus holds 1,200 billets, below the 6,000-bed goal, and FY 2027 budget provides no funding for housing, earmarking $98 million for a renovation.

The Independent

VA counselor Danielle Runyan told Veterans Affairs Committee litigation delayed briefings and pledged updates. Press secretary Quinn Slaven said VA is adding police, lighting, and issuing proposals to build units, describing it as “hard at work implementing Trump’s executive order.” Lawmakers noted NCWI plan arrived before hearing.

NPR

Rep. Mark Takano warned that staffing threatens veteran safety, sobriety and mental health, fearing site could become a “vast West Side skid row.” Rep. Derrick Van Orden called project a “boondoggle” and demanded cost details. Anthony Allman of Vets Advocacy said VA cannot account for spending on campus.

NPR

FY 2027 budget lists no funding for beds, yet VA officials say requests for proposals will be issued “in days.” Runyan credits Trump administration with growth, but NPR found none of beds resulted from the order, and breakdown released.

The Independent

• “Transparency should be a priority, not an option. If agreements, planning decisions or delays are hiding behind NDAs, the committee will demand answers. The American taxpayers and our veterans deserve to know how the land is being used and why progress has been so slow,” — Mike Bost, Chairman, House Veterans Affairs Committee

NPR

• “This concentration of veterans without adequate supportive services jeopardizes tenant safety, sobriety and mental health,” — Mark Takano, U.S. Rep. (California)

The Independent

• “There's no way in hell you're gonna come here and say $500 million is a down payment, and you can't tell me what the actual cost is.” — Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Rep. (Wisconsin)

The Independent

• “I went from sleeping on the beach and sleeping in my car, to a safe parking program,” — Vincent Tourville, veteran

NPR

The General Services Administration will accept housing proposals through June 23. The VA has pledged monthly congressional briefings, and veteran groups are monitoring the process for transparency.

NPR