Largest veteran housing development in US breaks ground in West LA

WEST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The largest veteran housing development in the country broke ground Friday in West Los Angeles, a project dedicated to providing more homes and services for former military service members throughout the region.

"We are building a community here on the West L.A. VA campus for veterans," U.S.VETS President and CEO Stephen Peck said. "So today, we are celebrating a grounding breaking of two buildings."

More than $1 billion is committed in development funds, which includes the two new housing projects that will provide 87 homes for veterans. Once the development is completed, the 80-acre campus will feature 1,200 housing units, 100,000 square feet of new amenities and supportive services for more than 3,000 veterans and families.

"We've been at this for a little over five years so we're over halfway there," Peck said. "Who's paying for this? Just about everybody. It's low-income tax credits. The state has put in money, the county, city -- anywhere where there's dollars to build housing and provide services, we've been knocking at their door -- and people are stepping up."

Veteran Babs Ludikhuize lives on the West L.A. VA campus and is thrilled more housing is being built for fellow vets.

"Just to see all of this come together for us. It's mind-blowing," Ludikhuize said.

Peck said one building will have 60 units for all veterans. The second building will be dedicated to women veterans and children.

"Women veterans and especially women vets with children have very few options in terms of permanent housing," he explained.

Advocates said they hope to have the 1,200 units built by the year 2030.