Problem

For the first time in American history, women comprise nearly 14% of the nation's combat forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these women are single parents with dependent children. While the VA makes progress in preparing for this increase in women who need assistance, local service providers are leading the charge. Women represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless veteran population.

The Gift

This gift will provide 2 staff hours of work in support of women veterans' programs. Development of programs designed to help women is more critical now than at any other time in U.S. history. Historically, the VA has not had to provide services for women in the numbers that are presenting themselves because of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Approximately 4% of the homeless veterans in VA programs are women. That percentage doubles in community-based programs that serve homeless veterans. Women have special health care needs; many have dependent children. Many women veterans have experienced sexual trauma during their military service and do not seek assistance from VA facilities. NCHV is involved in supporting efforts to provide special programs that address the needs of women veterans -- the fastest growing segment of the homeless veteran population -- both in VA and community-based programs.