Civilians and soldiers gathered together to help unlock the door to transitional housing for women warriors.
More than 200 people attended the Female Soldier, Forgotten Hero spring gala Saturday night at the Wilton Library. The event highlighted the difficulty some female soldiers encounter upon returning to civilian life. FSFH is one of the first programs in the U.S. to address the needs of homeless female veterans and their children.
"Our veterans are forgotten, and most often it's the women veterans who are forgotten," said Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. "As long as I'm in public service, the needs of veterans, men and women, will be uppermost in my mind."
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Connecticut has between 200 and 300 female veterans, according to FSFH. A female veteran is up to four times more likely to be homeless than a non-veteran woman. Less than 12 female-only housing facilities exist for women veterans' nationwide.
Several local businesses and personalities united to support the fundraiser.
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Wilton High School students passed trays laden with tapas from Barcelona. Michelina's Bakery donated trays of cookies and coupons for a free loaf of bread. Comedian and commentator Charles Grodin, a Wilton resident, entertained the crowd.
Both a live and silent auction were held. Big-ticket items such as four seats for a Yankees game sold for $725 and a weekend vacation on Block Island sold for more than $1,000.
It's that kind of community cohesiveness that builds the house, said Shalini Madaras, chair of FSFH.
"I want to acknowledge another group of heroes whose acts often go unnoticed," Madaras said, referring to FSFH supporters.
Sergeant Major Caterina Veronesi, who will deploy to Iraq for a second tour in September, sang the National Anthem and God Bless America. Since returning home from Djibouti, Africa in January, Veronesi has been active with FSFH. She spoke before Bridgeport's Planning & Zoning Commission last Monday about the need for housing.
"These women are mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, and co-workers; all doing their part to carry the flag of freedom," said Veronesi. "Yet, the unpopularity of this war is felt and dealt with at every homecoming."
That disconnect and apathy wears troops down so far some veterans feel betrayed by the nation they serve. To help restore a sense of purpose these veterans need a safe haven.
FSFH wants an adaptive reuse permit under Bridgeport's new zoning regulations. It hopes to convert a single-family home on Clinton Ave. into a group home for 17 female veterans and children under age of 2.
The nonprofit Applied Behavioral Institute would run the home. The Greek and Federal revival house was constructed in 1903. It has 5,000 square feet of living space and would have three beds designed with full handicap access.
"They are homeless not by design, but by circumstance," Veronesi said.
Still obstacles remain.
The Connecticut Post recently published an editorial opposing the house. It said while FSHF is a worthy cause, the house isn't suited to the residential character of the neighborhood.
Yet, in spite of opposition, the People's United Community Foundation awarded FSFH a $45,000 grant for acquisition and renovations.
"More than bricks and mortar, more than just a physical space," Blumenthal said. "We have an opportunity to send a message, and an obligation to make it happen."
