An American Atrocity: Female Veterans Left Out In the Cold

Women are serving in the U.S. armed services in record numbers. According to a report by Medill, women make up 14% of all branches of the U.S. military and 11% of U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Incidentally, the number of homeless female veterans is higher than ever. Today, 7,000-8,000 female U.S. military veterans are homeless. Female vets comprise of 5% of all homeless veterans in the United States.

Tragically, veterans have too often represented a significant portion of our nation's homeless (a fact that many people agree is completely unacceptable). Why does this happen? 

Service men and women, especially those in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts, face repeated deployments, making it difficult to keep finances in order and for reservists to maintain civilian jobs. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have extremely debilitating effects, many of which may not be evident right away. PTSD and additional stresses can lead to substance abuse and depression, which can damage relationships and make keeping a job difficult. 

Women, however, face additional risk factors (that the military might not be so quick to publicize) that put them at a much greater risk of developing PTSD. According to Medill, 23 out of 100 women who used the VA health system reported experiencing sexual assault while in the military. Other reports claim the percentage is even higher. 

This is significant, since 75% of homeless female veterans report experiencing sexual abuse (either in the military or civilian life).

Furthermore, services for female veterans have not kept pace with the increasing prevalence of women in the armed services. Out of 500 Veterans Affairs shelters, only 300 can even accept women. Of these, a mere 22 offer programs specifically for female veterans or have living arrangements separate from men. (Separate accommodations are critical for women overcoming sexual trauma.) Furthermore, none of these veterans shelters accept children.

The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) has recognized these disparities and is taking steps to address them. Housing programs for female vets are receiving funding priority and, as a result, new shelters are popping up across the country. While these new shelters and services are a big step in the right direction, it is unlikely they will meet the current demand.

Advocates and service providers believe that the VA is doing what they can. The real underlying problem is a lack of funding to address the needs of returning war veterans (male and female) and the unanticipated increase in female homelessness.

We can all agree that homelessness is an American atrocity, particularly among veterans. Every veteran experiencing homelessness should have immediate access to shelter and supportive, rehabilitative services where they will be treated with the respect, dignity, and the compassion they rightfully deserve.

If you are a veteran - male or female - in need of services or shelter, please visit HUD's state-by-state directory or the National Coalition for Homeless Veteran's service directory.