For many people, the visible image of military veteran homelessness is a man by a busy highway holding a sign that asks for help.

You probably don’t think of women veterans facing homelessness. Newly confirmed Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Linda Chapa LaVia says many women veterans do. They manage the problem differently, often outside of social support programs.

Veteran homelessness is one of the problems Chapa LaVia wants to work on. Gov. Pritzker appointed her to head the Dept. of Veterans Affairs in February; the Illinois Senate confirmed her last week. 

For issues related to homelessness, veterans can call 1-877-424-3838.