Not many people are aware that Augusta has one of six nationwide transitional living homes for female veterans and their children, but we do. The Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope opened in the fall of 2017 and houses five veterans and one child with room for up to three more veterans.

Homeless female veterans are growing more than any other group of homeless people in America.

While there are numerous programs offered by the federal Veteran’s Administration, finding which program might be best is a challenge many veterans face. The Betsy Ann Ross House helps women veterans navigate VA programs, connecting them with the services they need. S

ome women may find it intimidating to speak up for their needs within a system traditionally geared towards men. Being part of a military family, I’ve heard firsthand stories about challenges women face in the military and in acclimating to civilian life outside of their service.

Any veteran is susceptible to certain challenges when transitioning from a combat zone to everyday life, but those are often compounded for women. If you do a couple of quick internet searches, you’ll see that females face a much higher rate of sexual assault and harassment in the military as compared to the general public. Such trauma only worsens the already difficult transitions one must make in a military lifestyle.

There is proposed legislation that would help fund the House of Hope, giving the hope of sanctuary to share with others. Contact your state representative and senator and ask them to support L.D. 792. After all, veterans have given a piece of their lives for our freedoms, it’s time we support them.

Please do your part to ensure that these services are available to our brave female veterans who need it and donate here: betsyannrosshouseofhope.com.

Gordon Spinney

Augusta