Yet, for the women vets on the street, as for any homeless woman, being on the streets means she is highly vulnerable to rape unless she has a constant and strong male companion…or is armed. Often the injuries which come from being thrown to the ground are profound, including fractured skull and broken limbs. For this reason, some of the missions have a priority to take homeless women to shelters even when those houses are full to capacity. They keep good watch on them while they are there. However, many of the men are greatly weakened and also unable to defend themselves too.

This is where city initiatives that want to do more than just proivide ‘a roof and a hot,’ are a step in a better direction.

Also, as a military wife for 21 years, I can aver that the GI Bill and Vet’s benefits have been so gutted year after year, it is an ongoing disgrace. Most civvies, have no idea.
dr.e

At the time this concerned only men, but it’s a wonderful example of how investing in people can pay 19-fold benefits.

Thinking of today’s veterans, both male and female, I wonder how much more beneficial and cost effective it might be to provide them with the hope that comes with opportunity.

Cetainly, women need special attention. I can’t help thinking, however, that all the psychological treatment provided would be more effective if they had a tangible means of accessing hope: education and child care.