Aura Home Veteran Women Organization helps
Homeless Women Vets in 9 Counties of Western North Carolina
Did you know that homeless women veterans are the fastest growing homeless population in the United States? North Carolina has the 6th largest female veteran population in the country.
As of 2021, there are 72,809 women Veterans in North Carolina; 10,193 at homelessness risk (14%).
In the 9 WNC counties Aura Home Women Vets supports there are nearly 700 homeless women veterans with only 20 shelter or transitional beds available, with only half allowing children and none allowing trans-women or pets. (References: VA Women’s Military Health Symposium and VA.gov/homeless)
The female veteran homeless rate has increased alarmingly from 7.5% in 2015 to 14% in 2018 where it currently remains. In 2021, according to Veterans Affairs data, 72,809 female veterans reside in North Carolina; and 14% of female veterans are at risk of homelessness or are already homeless, that means 10,193 women veterans need assistance.
She's Been Homeless
Founder, Alyce Knaflich served in the US Army for 19.5 years. Five years after her military discharge she lost her job and was diagnosed with PTSD. At age 41 the VA Medical Center declared her unfit to work.
Without income Alyce became destitute and remained homeless for nearly 10 years while struggling with her health concerns. “When you’re homeless, you don’t have time to think about goals and dreams and schemes,” she says. “Every day becomes another battle for simple survival.” ... Read More