SAN ANTONIO--The homeless female veteran population is on the rise through out the country.
"There's no reason a veteran who has served our country who has taken care of this county should be without a home and our services, " said Herman Montalvo. Montalvo is the local Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans Coordinator. Montalvo said since more women have been joining the military, the number of homeless female veterans is on the rise.
The local American GI Forum residential center just west of downtown offers housing to homeless vets. "It's extremely difficult living like this, " replied homeless veteran Edwina Adams. Adams served in the Air Force and has been calling the center home since last July. "My issue is economics, " added Adams.
Homeless veterans can stay at the residential center for 24 months. Currently the center is housing ten female homeless veterans.
Montalvo estimates there could be around 100 homeless female veterans through out San Antonio. Some women are living on the streets and others are living in shelters.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has set a goal to eliminate the homeless veteran population by 2015.
Veterans needing assistance are urged to contact their local Veterans Affairs Office.
The veterans crisis line is: 1-877-424-3838
