Homeless women veterans and their children now have a new housing option in Seneca County.
Honor House, a single story home on Fall Street in Seneca Falls, will accommodate one family at a time for up to two years as the veteran transitions back to civilian life following her military experience.
The home was donated to Habitat for Humanity of Seneca County by one of the nonprofit's late members, "Honor " Annie Calland.
The group Women March in Seneca Falls is one of the partners in the effort. Project chair Susan Scheuerman said they're reviewing applications for the first family who will reside at Honor House. She said there is definitely a need for such a place.
"Being a rural community, people fall through the cracks. Not deliberately, but it's hard to get resources."
The Seneca County Veterans Service Agency will coordinate services for veterans who stay at the home, ranging from help with securing VA benefits to assistance with job searches.
A ribbon cutting ceremony at Honor House Saturday will include remarks from retired Air National Guard Major Mary Jennings Heger, who served three tours in Afghanistan. Heger was awarded a Purple Heart for saving her crew and their patients when their medevac was shot down on June 29, 2009.
In March, the Veterans’ Outreach Center in Rochester opened Priscilla House on Cypress Street. It provides permanent supportive housing to female veterans, including those who have young children.
