Changing the Narrative
Woman Veterans

Homeless Female Veterans

Misconceptions

Misconception: VA resources equally support both male and female vets.

Reality: The number of homeless female veterans is increasing. They face unique challenges, including higher rates of PTSD from military sexual trauma, and often have children in their care. The “old ways” of VA support are still mainly geared towards the male-dominated system.

Misconception: Homeless Veterans are often assumed to be men.

Reality: Female veterans are 4 times more likely to become homeless compared to their male counterparts.

Misconception: Female veterans are found on the streets.

Reality: The estimated count of female vets is often missed. They often don’t appear homeless. Instead, they stay off the grid through various means, frequently couch-surfing, sleeping in cars, or staying in abusive relationships.

Misconception: Homeless people are unwilling to work.

Reality: Most homeless are employed, but are unable to afford housing due to low wages, underemployment, and unstable job markets.

Misconception: Female veterans are often recongnized as veterans in civilian life.

Reality: Despite their longstanding service, women veterans often struggle to be recongized, respected, and valued.

Continued Disparities Five Key Areas:

Access to care

Financial wellness

Mental Health

Military Transition

Social Health

WOMEN VETERANS LIVE IN THE U.S. TODAY

WOMEN ARE THE FASTEST GROWING GROUP IN THE VETERAN POPULATION

WOMEN VETERANS ARE RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE 43% OF THE WOMEN WHO USED VA HEALTH SERVICES IN FY20 BELONGED TO A RACIAL OR ETHNIC MINORITY GROUP.

No matter where she lives, every women Veteran hasaccess to the VA health system which provides care at1,255 health facilities, including 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,074 outpatient clinics.

Every VA Medical Center nationwide has a Women Veterans Program Manager to advise and advocate for women Veterans and help coordinate all the services they may need, from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions or reproductive health.

Every VA offers maternity care coordination. VA Maternity Care Coordinators understand women Veteran’s unique needs and will support them through every stage of their pregnancy.

VHA provides the highest quality, state-of-the-art systems and healthcare equipment, including on-site mammography at 69 sites across the country.