Before moving into a supportive housing building for veterans on the West Los Angeles VA campus in March, Mark James had spent more than a year bouncing between relatives’ homes, or living in a car, or on the streets.
This week, a grateful James, who had served as a chief petty officer in the Navy during the Vietnam War, credited the housing program he’s participating in for helping him get back on his feet.
“I was blessed enough to get into this program to stabilize me,” the 69-year-old said. “I pay my own rent. I buy my own groceries. It put me back in the frame of mind of taking care of myself again.”
The stability also helped James reunite with his wife. The couple separated while James was homeless, he said.
On Wednesday, Nov. 22, James and other formerly homeless veterans gathered for their first Thanksgiving celebration together, about nine months after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs opened VA Building 207, a renovated, supportive housing building for senior veterans near the VA Medical Center in West L.A.
Residents were treated to a special holiday program that included a traditional Thanksgiving lunch, a raffle, games and other activities.
The event was hosted by United Talent Agency, which is raising funds to help develop what is expected to be the country’s largest veteran housing community. About 50 UTA volunteers helped serve meals to the veterans on Wednesday.
“The tradition of the UTA Foundation hosting our veterans for Thanksgiving began at the West LA VA almost 20 years ago,” Rene Jones, UTA partner and chief of social impact, said in a statement. “This year we are especially grateful to be back on the West LA VA Campus with U.S.VETS in this gorgeous new facility that truly honors our veterans.”
VA Building 207 consists of 60 apartment units — studios and one-bedrooms — that come furnished, with onsite management and case workers available to assist the veterans.
The property includes gardens, a…
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