Noteboom The Law Firm

Homeless Female Veterans Receive Help in Florida

April 29, 2010 - Homeless female veterans are having great difficulty finding available beds, even in temporary shelters. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are approximately 6500 homeless female veterans spread out across the nation. Unfortunately, this number has doubled over the last 10 years.

Most of the VA's current homeless resources and programs focus on men. Further, the VA is not equipped for the sudden and explosive influx of female veterans needing assistance. Where veterans need help, however, it is usually made available.

The Veterans Reintegration Center (VRC) of Jacksonville, Florida focuses on female veterans and their children. The nonprofit VRC is in the process of developing transitional housing for homeless female veterans on the Edward Waters College campus. There are 2 vacant duplexes with 4 bedrooms each to house a mother and her child.

The VRC is lobbying the VA for a $35,750 grant to renovate the duplexes but must match $19,250 in funds. The VRC's focus will be where there is currently none. In addition to limiting their clientele and providing housing, the VRC will make available:  

• Education;
• Training;
• Social services; and
• Access to a nearby community resource center.

 Assuming the VRC is able to raise the matching funds, the buildings would not be ready for move-in until next summer due to construction. If enough money can be raised to repair the apartments, the VRC will apply for operating costs once veterans have moved in.

Should the VRC raise the necessary funds and receive their grant, they will be able to treat female veterans and their children the way they deserve to be treated. If everything works out as planned, the VRC's fundraisers will serve to open their doors.