L.A Will Convert Motel Units To 500 apartments for homeless vets

The city of Los Angeles has approved a deal for nonprofit and private developers to convert “nuisance" motels into 500 permanent supportive apartments for homeless veterans.

Officials called it a major step forward toward developing large-scale housing for hundreds of homeless veterans. Advocates say about 2,700 homeless veterans remain in the county, despite an intensive drive by local and federal officials..

Under the deal, developers will purchase underutilized, often run-down motels from private owners and convert them to efficiency apartments. The city's housing authority will issue vouchers funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which will cover residents' rent and provide supportive services, including case management and counseling.

Further financing is expected to come from Proposition 41, which directed $600 million in bond money to fund housing for poor and homeless veterans.