Homelessness among female veterans is a growing problem.  As more women serve in the new army, so, too, have their numbers grown on the streets.  Like their male counterparts, female veterans often suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  However, unlike most male veterans, female veterans have also been disproportionally subjected to sexual harassment and abuse while in the military (as reportedly have a growing number of men).  Female veterans are unemployed at a rate of four to one over female civilians. One in three report being sexually assaulted, as opposed to one in six civilian women.  And, finally, female homeless veterans are more likely than male homeless veterans to be homeless with their children.

As part of the Veteran Administration’s push since 2009 to end homelessness among all veterans by 2015, the agency is partnering with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing to veterans in key locations, like Fayetteville, that have large veteran homeless populations.  Homeless shelters specifically designed for female veterans are being built or remodeled to accommodate this unique population.

The Capital Region established its first residence for female homeless veterans in Saratoga County  this week.  The Guardian House is New York’s 2^nd shelter specifically designed to accommodate female veterans to complement the nearby 22-year old residence for male veterans, VET House in Ballston Spa.  The 10-bed facility will add to more bedrooms in the coming weeks.

Spearheaded by county Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, a Saratoga Springs Democrat , the shelter will also help the women find medical resources, employment, counseling and other key services that can help put them back on their feet.