At a Nov. 21 hearing of the Boston City Council Committee on Veterans Services, women veterans and advocates urged the council and administration to expand targeted outreach, gender‑specific health care access and workforce supports for women who served.

Meredith, commander of the William E. Carter Post, told the committee that while "a veteran is a veteran," women veterans face distinct barriers that require specific responses. "We need to identify veterans who don't identify, veterans who don't even know that they are veterans, veterans who don't know that they can receive benefits," she said, asking that women be included at the table when grants and partnerships are planned and awarded.

Testimony highlighted several recurring problems: low awareness among older women veterans of their eligibility for benefits; difficulties accessing Chapter 115 state aid because of strict poverty‑level rules; trauma‑related barriers that make some women reluctant to seek services; and gaps in legal services and housing supports for veterans with complex needs. Advocates also called for more apprenticeship and trade pathways, not only higher‑education tracks.

Councilors and administration officials responded with proposals for follow‑up. Chair Councilor Ed Flynn said he intends to file a hearing in January focused on women veterans' services and impacts and indicated the committee may convene follow‑up meetings in March. Commissioner Rob Santiago acknowledged the distinct needs of women veterans and said the office is working to increase outreach and to amplify resources on the office website and in community events.

The hearing included broader testimony on outreach to LGBTQ+, immigrant and indigenous veterans, and on supports for veterans returning from incarceration and veterans in recovery. Committee members asked the administration to return with more detailed plans and data on how targeted outreach and grant dollars will reach women veterans and other high‑need groups.