The L.A. County Department of Social Services is joining hundreds of counties across the nation in lighting government buildings green this week for a good cause.
That cause is Operation Green Light for Veterans.
“The symbolic gesture represents the ongoing commitment of DPSS and other local agencies in raising awareness of resources to help active-duty military veterans and their families make the transition to civilian life,” the L.A. County Department of Social Services said in a media statement.
According to officials, approximately 250,000 veterans live in L.A. County, which is roughly 13% of all veterans in the state, and many of them rely on programs provided by L.A. County, such as food assistance and healthcare.
The DPSS headquarters in the City of Industry will light up their entrance in green on Wednesday to officially launch the campaign. Community members, businesses and other organizations are also invited to show support by switching one of their outdoor lights to a green bulb for the week.
“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported,” DPSS Director Jackie Contreras said.
Operation Green Light for Veterans is being led by the National Association of Counties to draw attention to the challenges some veterans may face while highlighting places in their communities to get support. Locally, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors has instructed both the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the Office of Immigrant Affairs to help connect more vets with legal and citizenship services.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Resources for L.A. County veterans and their families can be found here.
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