a href=”http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/06/3452876/transition-to-civilian-life-challenging.html”>Transition to civilian life challenging for female veterans

Sacramento Bee, Mar 6

Reeder, 46, spent nearly 20 years in and out of homelessness after she was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1987. The return to civilian life was difficult for Reeder, who said she struggled with the psychological effects of a rape while she was in the military. She became an alcoholic and drug addict, had trouble holding down a job and distanced herself from family.

“We’re supposed to come back and be daughters and mothers and sisters and go back to work. Some people can,” Reeder said. “The problem is how do I detach myself from being a soldier?”

Though women are still a small percentage of homeless veterans, they’re at much higher risk of homelessness than their male veteran counterparts, and their numbers are growing, according to a joint report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs released Feb. 10.

This disturbing article also notes that many female veterans do not identify as such, that services for female veterans are not equal to those for male veterans, and that homeless shelters catering to veterans often will not accept women, especially women with children, who are the fastest-growing sector of the homeless veteran population.

Genevieve Chase is quoted in the article. Ms. Chase is the founder and executive director of the American Women Veterans Foundation.