President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order creating a national center for homeless veterans, using funds reallocated from programs previously directed toward services for illegal immigrants, Fox News Digital has learned.
The order instructs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence on the VA campus in West Los Angeles.
According to the White House, Los Angeles is home to roughly 3,000 homeless veterans—more than any other city in the nation—representing about 10% of the total homeless veteran population in the United States.
“The new National Center for Warrior Independence will help them and other veterans like them rebuild their lives,” the White House said. The new facility will also allow vets from around the country to come there to seek and receive care, benefits, and services “to which they are entitled.”
The order reallocates funds intended for housing or services for illegal immigrants to the construction, establishment, and maintenance of the new center, Fox reported, citing the White House.
“The Center will promote self-sufficiency through housing, substance abuse treatment, and support for productive work for the veterans housed there,” the White House explained.
The objective is to house up to 6,000 homeless vets in the center by 2028, Trump’s final year in office.
The order directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to utilize vouchers to assist homeless veterans and instructs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to restore accountability at the VA.
The order also instructs the VA to take action against individuals who have committed misconduct and to investigate and rectify the Biden administration’s decision to “rehire and reinstate back pay for employees previously fired for misconduct.”
The order also guarantees that veterans will have expanded access to care, benefits, and services, aiming to reduce wait times for Veterans Health Administration appointments through measures such as extended hours, weekend availability, and increased virtual healthcare options.