HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
BY CHRISTINA MORTEL
Meet an Army Veteran creating Certainty and Dignity, one Home at a Time.
Did you know Texas has the third largest population of women veterans nationwide, (behind California and Florida), yet leads in the number of homeless women veterans? In a recent study from the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, it estimates that between 13-15% of women veterans living in poverty are likely to be homeless.
This unfortunate statistic sparked Retired US Army Captain Veronica Segura to form Housing Confidence, LLC, a woman veteran-owned business that provides transitional housing for women veterans. Veronica’s new mission is to create safe, accessible housing for women vets in need.
Veronica Segura, with her Mother, Cecilia, Dad & Vietnam Vet, Victor and brother, Victor Jr. on her promotion to Captain 2013
After learning that there is a growing gap between women veterans and affordable housing in her county, Veronica set out to address this issue. Reflecting on her veteran family values, she noted, “I was taught community service from an early age. Once I knew firsthand about the lack of homes for women in need, there was no question I would take action.”
Starting with the home she grew up in, Veronica’s parents sold her their home in 2019, providing her opportunity to reimagine her childhood home as a future haven for homeless and marginalized women veterans.
Veronica quickly realized she needed a plan to not only renovate and update the home, but a framework for business ownership too. She reached out to Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program for guidance on business planning, market research, entity formation, and community resources. Veronica began writing her business plan.
This included learning the actual homeless numbers in her area, the extensive wait lists for veterans who qualify for housing, and the requirements as a homeowner. Quickly, it became obvious the availability of homes just did not meet the demand. Even one home could make a difference. As Veronica dug deeper into the facts, she realized this passion was more than a project; it was another opportunity to serve.
Veronica sought the help of an attorney and CPA, to help inform her decision to establish a Series LLC business entity. According to Rebecca Smith, retired US Army Veteran and Attorney, The Rebecca Smith Law Firm PLLC, “A Series LLC was consistent with Veronica’s business goals since she was operating in the state of Texas. Series LLCs are not allowed in all states and can have specific tax consequences. Always consult with competent legal counsel before deciding on the best entity for your business.” Now, how to find community resources?
Veronica’s startup efforts led her to the VA and HUD (Housing and Urban Development), VASH-Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Program. She met with a HUD veteran liaison who detailed how the program helps low-income veterans.
By working within the VASH program, her property would house vets who received a voucher to meet expenses through a housing subsidy. HUD provides guidance on property owner compliance, and within a few weeks, Veronica met the requirements and qualified her residence for the VASH program.
Thanks to community resource help, Housing Confidence, LLC now offers a single-family home in the program. Veronica will help place a veteran in a newly minted home in a quiet, established neighborhood.
The next chapter for a woman vet and family will be a life of certainty and dignity!
Veronica is starting a new chapter too. Her plans are to grow her social impact business, developing more homes in the next few years. “I am hopeful to purchase more houses and build partnerships with organizations who are helping women veterans.”
In a touching tribute, Veronica has dedicated the first home in honor of her late father, Victor, a veteran who served as a Helicopter Repairman in Vietnam. All of Veronica’s future homes will be dedicated to a veteran in recognition of their service to our country. It is just one more way to connect future families to the vast and remarkable history of US veterans.
Every business has a story. What is your start-up story?
Christina Mortel is a US Army Veteran and Business Consultant with Texas Veterans Commission Veteran Entrepreneur Program. She also hosts Texas Veterans Mean Business Podcast. Christina is a business owner and Managing Member of Get Write to Business LLC.
Do you have a start up story? Connect with Christina
Sources:
VA Report–VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans,
Article- Hidden Numbers -.https://bit.ly/31A7T5H
VA HUD-VASH Program: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/LandlordsFactsheet508.pdf, Homeless female veterans: Out of sight, out of mind | Penn State University (psu.edu)
www.RSmithLawFirm.com