Listen to the story HERE. By Kathryn Carley January 6, 2025 A lack of reliable transportation for some women veterans in Maine is preventing them from getting the services they need. The Sisters in Arms Center in Augusta provides these homeless veterans with counseling to heal from the sexual abuse some have suffered in the military. It’s the only center of […]
Listen to the story HERE.
By Kathryn Carley
January 6, 2025
A lack of reliable transportation for some women veterans in Maine is preventing them from getting the services they need.
The Sisters in Arms Center in Augusta provides these homeless veterans with counseling to heal from the sexual abuse some have suffered in the military.
It’s the only center of its kind in the U.S. – but without a vehicle, medical or job interview appointments are often missed.
Executive Director Rebecca Cornell du Houx said one veteran was recently stranded at the hospital when no volunteer drivers were available.
“They’re in the parking lot just crying,” said Cornell du Houx, “because they can’t go from point A to point B, and they had already walked there.”
Cornell du Houx said public transportation is limited and can sometimes trigger a veteran’s trauma.
She said the Sisters in Arms Center is seeking a donated vehicle, or funds to purchase one to help ensure these women veterans can get back on their feet.
While the number of homeless veterans is down slightly, the number of homeless veterans who are women grew by nearly 24% between 2020 and 2023.
Experts say the high rates of sexual abuse they suffer is one reason. One in three female servicemembers says they experienced sexual trauma while enlisted.
Cornell du Houx said this also puts the women the center serves at a heightened risk for suicide.
“They have tried so hard in order to be able to make a life for themselves through serving this country – and put their country first, put their community, their state first,” said Cornell du Houx. “I mean, it doesn’t seem like that’s happening right now in reverse.”
She said local volunteers showered a veteran and her children with gifts during the holiday, and she appreciated those who support the center’s mission.
She said she’ll soon deploy to the Middle East herself, and said hopes to hire some part-time staff to keep the center open while she’s away.
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