WHAT TO KNOW: Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom toured a new supportive housing site — meeting with California veterans and VA leaders at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Campus.
LOS ANGELES – Highlighting historic investments made in behavioral health and housing resources for veterans, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom toured a new supportive housing site at the Veterans Campus of West Los Angeles and met with California veterans who are receiving services.
These services, such as housing, have led homeless California veterans experiencing behavioral health issues to successfully move into stable, permanent housing with accessible and affordable services and care.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line to serve our country, now we must serve them back. Too many veterans can’t escape the front lines, even here on the home front – and because of that, we’ve lost too many of these heroes to suicide, while many more struggle with other behavioral issues and physical health,” Governor Newsom said. “California is building an accessible network of resources for veterans and their families as we fight the deadly stigma around mental health that isolates and endangers so many of our heroes. We are home to the largest population of veterans in the country, all of whom deserve to be connected, respected and protected.
“Veterans and their families make tremendous sacrifices, both physically and mentally, in heroic service to our country,” said first partner Siebel Newsom. “It is essential that we honor and support them by ensuring that their needs, including mental health, are met when they return home. As we remember and honor the service members we have lost, I am proud that California has remained true, through policies and investments, to our commitment to the veterans who call this state home.
“As Memorial Day approaches, we honor our dead — those who gave their lives in service to our nation,” Undersecretary Russell Atterberry said. “We also remember their sacrifices taking care of the veterans who are still with us. California is creating more housing for veterans and investing in behavioral health services to ensure the well-being of our veterans and their families.
California is home to 1.6 million veterans, the most in the country. Governor Newsom’s investments led to the expansion of CalVet’s veteran-focused programs, especially comprehensive behavioral and mental health services like those offered at the West Los Angeles VA campus.
Key Behavioral Health Programs for California Veterans
California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI): Investing $50 million to coordinate state, local, and community resources to amplify education and awareness efforts, while working to increase capacity so we can serve all of our veterans in need.
Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program (VHHP): Projects must provide on-site support services including intensive case management, mental and physical health care, counseling and benefits advocacy social services, education and employment services, life skills training and peer support – an additional investment of $100 million.
Veterans Independence Support Pilot Program: $25 million to help California’s most vulnerable veterans age in place by establishing a foundation of services that will allow them to have stable, independent housing.
Behavioral Health Services Program: $1.27 million in ongoing funding to help county Veterans Services Offices (CVSOs) improve and expand mental health services through projects that work with the health care system. existing community care.
California Transition Assistance Program (CALTAP): Provides in-person and virtual training to military members, veterans, and their families statewide.
Behavioral Health at California Veterans Homes: All eight California Veterans Homes have hired more clinical social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists to ensure behavioral health staffing is commensurate with the needs of current residents and future.
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