Senators call for emergency VA aid for veterans impacted by wildfires

On 17 March 2025, US Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prioritise emergency healthcare and housing for veterans affected by the Los Angeles fires.

The fires, driven by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, burned over 40,000 acres in Los Angeles County, displacing tens of thousands of residents, including veterans who rely on VA services for medical care and housing.

Padilla and Schiff addressed VA Secretary Doug Collins, highlighting the immediate and long-term challenges veterans face in the aftermath of the disaster.

They urged the VA to act swiftly to ensure continued healthcare access, housing assistance, and mental health support for those impacted.

Healthcare and mental health access for displaced veterans

The Senators requested the VA expedite access to emergency healthcare, ensuring affected veterans can receive medical and mental health services through VA facilities and community providers.

They recommended deploying a mobile Vet Center to the region to provide crisis intervention and counselling for displaced veterans.

They also suggested collaborating with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to arrange emergency transportation for veterans who lost access to vehicles due to the fires.

Padilla and Schiff stressed the importance of mental health support, urging the VA to expand counselling services and crisis intervention to help veterans cope with the psychological toll of the disaster.

Housing assistance for veterans displaced by the fires

The letter called on the VA to coordinate with state and local agencies to provide housing support for veterans affected by the fires.

This includes those in the HUD-VASH programme and other VA homeless assistance initiatives.

They requested additional financial assistance for displaced veterans and their families, along with targeted outreach to ensure unhoused veterans receive services to help them secure stable housing.

The Senators also asked the VA to ensure veterans facing homelessness due to the disaster have direct access to emergency housing resources.

Long-term recovery efforts for veteran communities

Beyond immediate relief, Padilla and Schiff urged the VA to develop a long-term recovery strategy for veterans impacted by the fires.

They recommended the VA coordinate with federal, state, and local authorities to assist veterans in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.

They also called for flexibility in processing benefits, including expedited claims handling and extensions for medical appointments.

The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to working with the VA and other agencies to ensure veterans receive the necessary support throughout the recovery process.

Senators push VA for urgent support for veterans affected by Los Angeles fires: Summary

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff have called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prioritise aid for veterans affected by the Los Angeles fires.

The fires, which burned more than 40,000 acres and displaced thousands, have left many veterans without stable housing or access to critical medical care.

The Senators urged the VA to take immediate action by providing emergency healthcare, mental health support, and housing assistance.

They recommended deploying mobile Vet Centers, coordinating with the Disabled American Veterans organisation for emergency transportation, and expanding access to financial aid for displaced veterans.

Additionally, Padilla and Schiff called for a long-term recovery plan, including assistance in rebuilding homes, expedited benefits processing, and coordination with state and local agencies.

They expressed their readiness to assist the VA in implementing these measures to support veterans during the recovery period.