Homelessness is found in communities all across Kentucky and it takes on many forms. Many of the homeless are military veterans. An organization based in Clark County has a continuing focus when it comes to homeless female veterans.
"This was an old school, and we bought in 2016 and renovated it. This used to be the boy's bathroom,” said Abbott.
Lady Veterans Connect Founder Phyllis Abbott, described one area of Anna’s House, named after her mother.
“And American Legion Auxiliary raised the money and converted it into showers for the women veterans,” said Abbott.
The one-time Trapp Elementary has been turned into transitional housing and services for female vets. Abbott noted employment is not always the first objective.
“Our average age here, our youngest has been 45 and our oldest has been 73 and most of them have been in their mid-60s. So, finding them a job is not always the top priority. It’s helping them build a nest egg when they leave here and then finding them income-based housing where they can be sustainable,” said Abbott.
She said a board member with Job Ready Vets can assist those seeking work with resume building, interviewing skills, and job placement.
But there are challenges. Abbott said several women she’s assisted experienced sexual trauma while in the military. She noted if they want to stay in the military, they don’t talk about it and when they come out often they still can’t talk about the trauma with their family. Abbott added that can lead to depression, alcoholism, drugs, and the street.

Addie Mattox is a director with Lady Veterans Connect. She served in active Army and then reserves for 24 years while working at Toyota. Mattox said the longer the stay in the military, for some, the better prepared to make the transition back to civilian life.
But, Mattox said there are several issues that can make the move very difficult.
“Whether you have PTSD, whether you’ve have sexual trauma, those things are hard on you. And you don’t want to be in a social arena, you don’t want to find a job, you don’t want to connect with family. So, you isolate yourself and that could probably turn down a terrible road of being homeless,” said Mattox.
In addition to sleeping in the 32 separate rooms available for women veterans, the residents also participate in cooking and cleaning and just making Anna’s home their home.
“But when you see them and they’re connecting with other women veterans. They make bonds. They make friendships. Now they have somebody to call. Now, they have somebody to talk to, not just us. They’re making friendships. They start doing things,” said Mattox.

Teresa Leming served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Eisenhower a machinist mate second class working in the liquid oxygen/nitrogen plant. She said she enjoyed her time in service, but it was difficult for her civilian husband and divorce came eventually. Now Leming said she's back in the Commonwealth with reconnection in mind.
“So, I’m trying to re-establish my relationship with my children, and, to do that, I needed to come back here and re-establish myself. I have girlfriends and church family, but I didn’t want to put them in an awkward position…cause when you live with somebody you always feel like you’re the third wheel,” said Leming.

Also residing in the facility is Shirley Hampton, who said she’s been trying to attain VA disability for a decade and the situation is almost handled. Hampton said the Clark County facility certainly has a homey feel.
“I have been here, February will be a year…off and on…I’ve had to go back home to Tennessee several times for some family stuff, but I’m back and I love it here. This is my home, home, right here,” said Hampton.
Hampton said there are many volunteers who assist with anything she needs to accomplish. Hampton and Leming both said there are many services to help with the transition to permanent housing. Lady Veteran Connect Director Phyllis Abbott said there are five women currently staying at the facility. And Abbott said it’s the best-kept secret, something she wants to see changed, where many women veterans could be referred to Anna’s House.
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