The meaning of homelessness to homeless women veterans

Homelessness in America continues to be a pervasive problem, with veterans being disproportionately represented in this population. As the Iraq/Afghanistan war soldiers return to civilian life, worries about this population and the risk of homelessness is growing. Female soldier's roles in the military have expanded throughout the years and now include many combat roles, thus exposing them to the risks associated with combat. Female soldiers are twice as likely to have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) than their male counterparts and are three to four times more likely to become homeless. Female homeless veterans have typically been excluded from participation in research due to their small numbers, but with the increasing population of female soldiers, it is important to understand the risk factors for homelessness in this population. Utilizing a modified framework for studying vulnerable populations, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted to explore the meaning of homelessness to female homeless veterans, the risk factors for homelessness and services necessary to help exit the homeless cycle. Six homeless women veterans participated in private, audio taped interviews using a semi-structured interview tool. Risk factors consisted of abuse or trauma and broken trusts. Resources necessary to end their homeless state consisted of a job or some form of income and permanent housing. For all of the women, becoming homeless consisted of overwhelming loss.