Despite the growing number of women serving in the armed forces, female veterans are still less accepted on the home front.
American communities more readily accept -- and offer help to -- male service members.
Across the country, female veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are facing unemployment, hunger, homelessness and continuing to suffer from physical and mental traumas sustained during their service.
According to the Associated Press,
More than 230,000 American women have fought in those recent wars and at least 120 have died doing so, yet the public still doesn't completely understand their contributions on the modern battlefield.
In California, one organization is helping female veterans, and their children, find a chance at a new life. U.S. Vets Initiative is opening housing for women veterans and their families.
Just a few programs across the nation offer targeted programs for female veterans.
Stephen Peck, President of U.S. Vets, spoke to CNN about some of the unique challenges facing females in the armed services:
"There is a shocking amount of sexual harassment and actual sexual assault going on. So a significant portion of them are coming back with sexual trauma and if that is layered on top of their PTSD, then that is a very complex case. And that woman cannot start her life until she addresses that."
For a handful of women, these new apartments and the other services provided by the nonprofit are a chance to begin to address what they have suffered in a system that too often fails to address their needs.
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Supporters can help provide housing for female veterans by making a contribution to the United States Veterans Initiative.