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# Shriver digs in to assist veterans
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/shriver-digs-in-to-assist-veterans/
- Published: 2005-08-25T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:37:08.000Z
- Author: Ryan Hyatt
- Tags: Community, Santa Monica Airport, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*VA site project could house up to 500 vets*

SANTA MONICA AIRPORT — Efforts to rally regional forces in the fight against homelessness may have taken an historical step forward on Wednesday, when Councilman Bobby Shriver called on westside political leaders to endorse a proposal intended to help chronically down-and-out veterans.

A coalition of service providers have agreed to work together in hopes the Veterans Administration will convert abandoned buildings at its West Los Angeles campus into “long-term, therapeutic supportive housing” designed to assist homeless veterans, according to the proposal Shriver shared with representatives from west-side cities on Wednesday.

To convince the V.A. that a homeless facility would make good use of the site, Shriver asked local city leaders to speak on behalf of his proposal during a community input session to be held on Sept. 21 and 22, when the V.A. administration will consider what to do with its abandoned buildings on the 11300 block of Wilshire Boulevard, in Brentwood.

City staff participated in a May 6 meeting hosted by the VA, at which officials discussed alternative uses for several VA sites around the country, including the West LA campus. The proposal intends to take advantage of the existing facility in order to provide “all services on site” for the homeless veterans, including medical, psychological and social assistance.

The project would accommodate as many as 300 to 500 chronically homeless veterans, as well as those with other needs, such as those dealing with mental illness or suffering from substance abuse. It’s the coalition’s intent that half of the veterans served are chronically homeless — those who have been without shelter for at least three years.

The number of homeless veterans in Los Angeles County is estimated to be between 17,000 and 18,000, based on a recent head count.

The project would be financed from the five participating organizations, which include the U.S. VETS, New Directions, Inc., and the Salvation Army. Primary sources of funding are expected to come from federal, state and local grants, as well as private donations. The proposal doesn’t state how much the project might cost.

Shriver said he is glad to see his proposal moving forward, while noting the VA will be the final vote of approval.

“This is a significant first step, but there is still a long way to go,” Shriver said. “This needs to be a coordinated political strategy in order to be effective.”

Of course, the site may not be there for the taking, as other organizations and causes could make a pitch for the West LA digs.

However, Shriver’s idea has much appeal. Councilman Richard Bloom, who also advocates more regional efforts to address homelessness, said the timing is right for Shriver to move forward with the proposal.

“More and more people are signing on to the idea and that’s what gives its great-est chance of success,” Bloom said. “The more wind you have on your back, the more likely you are to prevail.

“It’s important to have the broadest possible coalition, and he and staff have been working hard on this.”

Brodie Seagrave — a field deputy for Los Angeles 11th District Councilman Bill Rosendahl, whose constituents live near the proposed facility — said they will likely endorse the proposal.

“Councilman Rosendahl is supportive of the project and he has many goals that are similar to Santa Monica,” Seagrave said. “Homelessness is one of our largest issues.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 25, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/082505.pdf?ref=smdp.com)