L A Is Converting Motel Units Into 500 Apartments for Homeless Veterans

major step forward toward housing hundreds of homeless veterans, Los Angeles has approved a deal for developers to convert "nuisance" motels into 500 permanent supportive apartments.

good news

Under the deal, developers will purchase underutilized, often run-down motels from private owners and convert them to efficiency apartments. The city's housing authority will issue vouchers funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which will cover residents' rent and provide supportive services, including case management and counseling.

"Instead of allowing blighted properties to decay, let's use them to make powerful change in our communities by giving our veterans the access to services and housing that they need and deserve," Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a written statement.

The city's housing authority on Thursday awarded 400 rent vouchers to Shangri-La Construction, a unit of Shangri-La Industries, founded by Hollywood producer Steve Bing, and Step Up on Second, a nonprofit homeless housing agency. The team has 60 days to secure sites.

Volunteers of America will develop 100 units at a motel near its existing project in North Hollywood.

"Nobody else is doing this around the country," said Philip Mangano, the federal homelessness czar under George W. Bush who participated in discussions that led to the deal. "There are business people involved (in homeless housing) but not to this scale."

"What I like about the project is it's immediate," said Volunteers of America President Bob Pratt. "Making these homes available for vets right now, that makes it unique

That is good news. Glad to hear that.

It’s actually great both ways. Developers who are usually seen as money hungry get the good press. Plus the veterans get a place to live.

If a developer was money hungry then for what reason would they even care that they are doing this work for? Or do you mean they are doing the work for free?

Originally posted by Surtur
If a developer was money hungry then for what reason would they even care that they are doing this work for? Or do you mean they are doing the work for free?

I didnt say they were money hungry...i said they're commonly seen as being money hungry in general. It's good to see big business giving back to the community

Could we ban veterans having to wait in line?

Originally posted by Time-Immemorial
Could we ban veterans having to wait in line?

Wait in line for what?

Everything

Originally posted by Time-Immemorial
Could we ban veterans having to wait in line?

I have no idea what you're talking about

Really?

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/va-secretary-disney-doesnt-measure-wait-times-so-why-should-va/article/2592021

Seems you don't keep up with current events with the Va.

U said everything. Wtf is that supposed to mean?

Why are you cursing?

I can't agree with them not waiting in line for anything. What if it's somewhere that..you have to wait in line hours to get into?

Originally posted by Time-Immemorial
Really?

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/va-secretary-disney-doesnt-measure-wait-times-so-why-should-va/article/2592021

Seems you don't keep up with current events with the Va.

Don't you find this to be BS though? You should. This person is trying to compare waiting in line for an amusement park ride to healthcare.

I kind of want to punch the guy in the face who compared it to Disneyland.

It's a good story. Homelessness is a problem in general, and it's distasteful to have homeless veterans after what they've done for the country.

Originally posted by Surtur
I can't agree with them not waiting in line for anything. What if it's somewhere that..you have to wait in line hours to get into?

It's simple to not have a line, give veterans private care like they deserve.

Originally posted by roughrider
It's a good story. Homelessness is a problem in general, and it's distasteful to have homeless veterans after what they've done for the country.

Yea we should ban veterans from being homeless as well, nationwide.

Because you were being vague instead of getting to the point. Anyway. What youre suggesting is counter to what the military culture is all about. We are/were here so serve. The idea that wed use our service as an attempt to gain a privilege is insulting.

Originally posted by Time-Immemorial
It's simple to not have a line, give veterans private care like they deserve.

I agree when it comes to healthcare. I just meant like, if I'm waiting in line to buy a video game and a veteran is also waiting in line to buy a video game...meh, I don't think the guy should get to cut ahead of me.

But I do think they should have good healthcare. We never hear about cops complaining about shitty health care. Or fire fighters. So why do we do this to our vets?

Originally posted by Time-Immemorial
Yea we should ban veterans from being homeless as well, nationwide.

Okay, that's over the top. Ban someone from being homeless? "You're under arrest for being homeless; we'll give a home, a jail cell."

Someone is hitch hiking and crossing the country, that's technically being homeless.