Village for Vets Food First Programs
Hunger is a critical and growing challenge for homeless and at-risk veterans in Los Angeles, and the VA cannot fund or provide meals for homeless veterans not living in “structured housing.” Village for Vets fills this gap with more than 1000 meals every week, totaling 56,420 each year, to veterans in need.
SAFE CAMP MEALS
The Safe Camp tent area at the VA campus was a response to the COVID-19 crisis, bringing homeless Veterans off the streets into a safe, socially distanced space. The VA can house but not provide meals for these veterans. Village for Vets, in partnership with Brentwood School and UCLA provides 3 meals a day/7 days a week.. The program has been extended indefinitely, and is expanding to other campuses.
SAFE PARKING L.A. MEALS
Nearly a third of homeless veterans live in their cars. Safe Parking LA opened a secure parking lot on the VA campus where these veterans can safely park and have access to bathroom and washing facilities as well as VA services. Village for Vets provides hot meals seven days a week in partnership with UCLA and Kai’s Catering for as many as 45 Veterans.
FOOD BOX DELIVERIES
Village for Vets, as an approved agency of the Westside Foodbank, makes weekly deliveries of food boxes, including produce and pantry staples, to food insecure veterans living in permanent supportive housing in Greater Los Angeles. Many of these buildings are managed by the VA but others are part of New Directions, Step Up on 2nd and LA Family Housing.
HOMELESS LUNCH PROGRAM
Village for Vets, in partnership with UCLA, provides lunches five days a week to homeless veterans at the VA Welcome Center, the HUDVASH housing office and the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) Clinic.