Veterans Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have selflessly devoted themselves to protecting our nation and preserving our values.

Although all veterans are heroes in our eyes, the stories of women who fought to save our country are often untold.

We often stereotype the hero veteran as a male - the stronger, tougher, and more capable sex. But, women are owed the same titles and respect as men.

As we observe Veterans Day, we want to recognize and honor all veterans who have bravely served our country, while highlighting the often-overlooked struggles faced by female veterans.

Why Are Women Veterans Vulnerable to Adversity?

It is disheartening to think about the alarming number of women veterans facing homelessness.

Despite their valiant service to our country, many brave women struggle to access stable housing and support upon returning to civilian life.

When women leave the military, they often face a complex set of challenges that can increase their risk of homelessness. The transition to civilian life can be daunting, with many veterans grappling with:

• Discrimination – Women veterans may encounter bias in workplaces or within the systems meant to support their reintegration.

• Mental Health Struggles – Conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression can make adjusting to civilian life particularly challenging and may go untreated or under-supported.

• Employment Barriers – Securing stable employment that values their military skills is a persistent issue, with many veterans facing a lack of recognition for their unique qualifications.

On top of these broader challenges, women veterans also have unique needs, including:

• Childcare Responsibilities – Many women veterans are also single parents, needing affordable and reliable childcare to sustain employment and stability.

• Access to Specialized Healthcare – Women veterans may have needs beyond standard healthcare, such as support for service-related injuries and women’s health services that address their specific experiences.

• Menstrual Health and Hygiene – Access to menstrual products and related hygiene care is essential for maintaining dignity and health, yet it remains an unmet need for many women veterans facing housing instability.

Addressing the Lack of Resources for Women Veterans

One crucial aspect that must be addressed is the lack of suitable housing options for women veterans.

Transitional and supportive housing programs specifically designed for their needs are essential for providing a safe and stable environment.

These programs should be accompanied by comprehensive case management and wraparound services to address mental health, substance abuse, and employment support.

Collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations is vital to establishing and maintaining these resources.

And this is where The Bra Recyclers come in.

Women veterans in transitional programs and shelters often have limited resources. These resources primarily provide immediate shelter and food, leaving little to no support for other needs.

Underwear is a necessary but overlooked resource for women living on the street or trying to break the cycle of poverty.

How Underwear Brings Hope and Recovery to Women Veterans

#1 Saftey and Protection 🔒

Besides promoting good hygiene, the gift of bras and underwear to homeless veterans can provide security and safety by concealing their vulnerable body parts.

A study found that within the past six months, 18% of homeless women had experienced sexual violence.

Although we can't claim that bras and underwear prevent sexual assault, they can act as a deterrent and provide an extra barrier for homeless veterans who are vulnerable to these attacks.

#2 Dignity and Confidence 🌟

Women veterans in transitional programs also rely on the dignity and confidence underwear provides to become a part of society again.

By wearing clean and comfortable bras and underwear - they can remove the barriers otherwise created by hygiene poverty and have better success in job interviews and applications for housing programs.

#3 Hygiene and Health 🧼

For those of us who have access to essential hygiene products, we often overlook the impact of poor hygiene on our health and well-being.

Clean underwear reduces the health effects of poor hygiene, such as infections, UTIs, and skin conditions. 

When we consider homeless veterans who lack access to hygiene resources and healthcare, we realize the grave risk they face without underwear.

How We Can Support Women this Veterans Day 🇺🇸

It is crucial to enhance outreach efforts to ensure that women veterans are connected to the available services and benefits they deserve. 

Many women veterans may be unaware of the resources and support mechanisms in place for them. 

By expanding awareness campaigns and strengthening collaboration between veteran service organizations and homelessness prevention agencies, we can bridge this information gap and extend a helping hand to those in need.

Addressing the issue of women veterans and homelessness also requires a comprehensive understanding of the root causes.

By clearly understanding women veterans' challenges, policymakers and advocates can effectively develop targeted interventions and policy changes to address their needs.

To make a difference, we must ensure adequate funding to support programs and services to combat women veteran homelessness. 

Adequate federal appropriations can expand the availability of affordable housing, improve access to healthcare, and provide essential assistance to women veterans struggling to find stability.

Your Recycled Bras Can Make a Difference ♻️

At The Bra Recyclers, we're proud to partner with several nonprofit organizations that provide services for people facing homelessness, meaning we can provide this overlooked resource to our female veterans.

But we can't do it alone.

You can make a difference if you have gently used bras you no longer need or were gifted underwear that isn't for you but is still new with tags.

Our recycling form is here and ready for your shipment. 

Alternatively, if you'd like to check out our list of retail partners to earn rewards with for recycling, please check them out on our drop-off and rewards page here.

Business Partnerships to Support Our Veterans 🤝

If you're a business or retailer, you have the power to make an incredible difference.

You can become a Recycling Ambassador and encourage your customers to recycle, improving your brand equity through sustainability.

Learn more about becoming a Recycling Ambassador here.

Our moral obligation as a society is to support and uplift those who have served our country. 

By prioritizing the issue of women veterans and homelessness, we can work towards achieving a future where no woman veteran is left without a safe and stable home. 

Let us join hands to provide the support, compassion, and resources these heroic women deserve.