When Thomas was living in a homeless shelter in Tacoma, he saved up to get an apartment. He had first and last months' rent, a deposit, and enough money for three tenant screening fees each month. An error on his screening report got him rejected by landlords time after time, though, and he spent hundreds of dollars on tenant screening reports. Thomas was stuck in the shelter months longer than he needed to be. A proposed law making its way through the legislature solves this problem by creating portable screening reports -- find out what you can do to support this solution!
Veterans
From Soldier to Civilian: Recognizing Women as Veterans
US Marine Corps veteran Julia Sheriden (far right) recognizes the service of other military veterans including Sheila Sebron (far left) at a Veterans Day brunch organized by Outreach and Resource Services for Women Veterans.
Military veterans are more likely than other Americans to experience both unemployment and homelessness. Women are at especially at risk for housing instability, in part because they are sometimes not recognized as veterans and don't get connected with veteran-specific services that can help them get back on their feet. On this Veterans Day, we share why it's imperative that our society recognize the service of all military men and women.
From Soldier to Civilian: “Everything Changed” When Homeless Veteran Found A Stable Home
As Veterans Day nears and we celebrate our nation’s heroes, it’s important to also recognize that many veterans face challenges, including homelessness, as they re-enter civilian life. Veterans are more likely than their civilian counterparts to experience homelessness, and women veterans are particularly vulnerable. Fortunately, many people are working to make sure our veterans have safe homes. The Low Income Housing Institute’s Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager Ania Beszterda Alyson shares a story of a veteran and single mom who has experienced homelessness three times, but is now on a path to a better future after finding a stable home.
From Soldier to Civilian: Standing Up for Women Veterans
Our “From Soldier to Civilian” blog series is examining barriers that veterans, and women veterans in particular, face as they re-enter civilian society. We’re also sharing suggestions from experts – veterans themselves – on making the transition easier and helping women who served avoid homelessness. In this post, community counseling graduate student and frequent Firesteel contributor Perry Firth explores some of the barriers faced by women veterans, including military sexual trauma, and shares information about Seattle’s upcoming Stand Down event for unstably housed veterans.
From Soldier to Civilian: Affordable Childcare is an Unmet Need for Veterans
The number of women veterans is on the rise in the U.S. While some adjust well to civilian life, others struggle with a variety of barriers. This "From Soldier to Civilian" blog series will share veterans' experiences and explore the challenges that veterans, particularly women veterans, experience. Image credit: Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
Many veterans experience barriers transitioning into civilian life, and some become homeless. Between now and Veterans Day, November 11, our “From Soldier to Civilian” blog series will examine barriers that veterans, and women veterans in particular, face as they re-enter civilian society. We’ll also share suggestions from experts – veterans themselves – on making the transition easier. Today we introduce you to Leanna, an Air Force veteran and single mom who struggles financially, in part because of the high cost of childcare.