Homelessness & Women Veterans
The number of homeless female veterans has more than doubled, from 1,380 to 3,328, between fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2010, according to a December U.S. Government Accountability Office report that found many with young children and nearly two-thirds between ages 40 and 59.
Nationally there is not nearly enough housing for women veterans and their children, who are homeless and at risk of being homeless. Female veterans make up about 8 percent of all veterans, or about 1.8 million, compared with just 4 percent in 1990.
A new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general examining veteran housing that receives VA grants found bedrooms and bathrooms without locks, poorly lit hallways and women housed in facilities approved for men only.