Zeta Phi Beta’s Jas Boothe Has Created A National Housing Program for Women Veterans and Their Children Experiencing Homelessness

In 2005, Jaspen “Jas” Boothe was preparing to deploy to Iraq when Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home. Within weeks, she was diagnosed with aggressive head, neck, and throat cancer. At the time, she was also a single mother facing discharge from the U.S. Army.

As she worked to rebuild her life, Boothe began searching for programs that supported women veterans with children. She found none.

So she created one.

Boothe, who was inducted as an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 2024, went on to founder Final Salute Inc. in 2010, a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing and transition support specifically for homeless women veterans and their children.

Over the past 15 years, Final Salute Inc. has provided more than 17,000 days of transitional housing and served more than 8,000 women veterans and their children across more than 30 states. The organization operates three programs: H.O.M.E., which provides housing assistance; S.A.F.E., which offers financial support; and Next Uniform, a career development initiative.

Boothe’s work comes amid ongoing challenges facing women veterans. While federal data tracks veteran homelessness, advocates note that women are often undercounted, particularly those who are temporarily staying with family or friends. Women veterans with children face unique barriers that are not always addressed by traditional housing programs.

“For 15 years, these women have been my mission,” Boothe said. “They served this country with everything they had. They deserved better than what the system gave them.”

This week, Boothe will be recognized as one of America’s 100 Women to KNOW by The KNOW Women at a national summit in Phoenix. The recognition adds to a list of honors that includes being named a CNN Hero and receiving recognition from People Magazine and Oprah Winfrey.

A graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, Boothe has built a national organization from her own experience, focusing on creating pathways for women veterans who are often overlooked.

We at Watch The Yard recognize Jas Boothe for her commitment to service and for the work she continues to do to support women veterans and their families across the country.