The Region - News from Jan. 1, 1987

Veterans or their family members represent an estimated 20,000 of the homeless people who wander the streets of Los Angeles, officials said. Blaming federal cutbacks and bureaucratic red tape, American Legion National Commander James Dean said veterans are not receiving the necessary services from the 200 Veterans Administration hospitals nationwide. When VA facilities fail to provide care, the veterans are “dumped” on local government facilities, he said. Dean, here for the Tournament of Roses Parade, spoke to reporters in Supervisor Kenneth Hahn’s office. Dean said the American Legion has undertaken a 60-day “user survey” to determine the number of veterans who use VA hospitals on a regular basis. In February, Dean said a report would be presented to Congress listing the needs and concerns of veterans in each congressional district.