I am a Finalist in the Ms. Veteran America competition. Proceeds from this competition support Final Salute Inc. EIN 800660380.
The mission of Final Salute Inc. is to provide homeless women Veterans with safe and suitable housing.
As a veteran that has once experienced homelessness, this iniative is very close to my heart!
It is estimated that there are currently 55,000 homeless women veterans in the United States on any given day.
On December 23, 2011, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported "More than 60 percent of surveyed Grant Per Diem (GPD) programs that serve homeless women veterans did not house children, and most programs that did house children had restrictions on the ages or numbers of children. GPD providers cited lack of housing for women with children as a significant barrier to accessing veteran housing. In addition, several noted there were financial disincentives for providers, as VA does not have the statutory authority to reimburse them for costs of housing veterans’ children. Limited housing for women and their children puts these families at risk of remaining homeless".
According to the Department of Labor, Women's Bureau
A common theme in listening sessions was the perception that existing programs/services for veterans favor men.
The women Veterans expressed a desire for sex-segregated residential centers staffed by qualified individuals who are sensitive to the female veteran culture. Women, especially those with a history of MST and domestic violence, report feeling more secure and comfortable in a female-only environment. Single-sex housing and treatment arrangements may facilitate recovery for women. Locating centers in safer residential areas, away from drug dealers and violence, is also important.
Final Salute Inc. is taking a three-pronged approach to addressing the issues associated with the homelessness of women Veterans:
Awareness: Bringing attention to the American people that homelessness among women Veterans is on the rise and their support needs are immediate.
Assistance: Providing housing/supportive services to homeless women Veterans and aiding in the prevention of homelessness for at-risk women Veterans.
Aspiration: Instilling in women Veterans that their situations are temporary and their goals are still achievable.
Please help me in this campaign to raise awareness for homeless women veterans and to support Final Salute Inc.
For more information on this amazing organization please visit: Finalsaluteinc.org
