MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – A nonprofit is taking a major step forward in the fight to support women Veterans struggling with addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Bravo Zulu House announced Tuesday it has secured land in Mankato for a first-of-its-kind Women’s House — a safe, structured recovery home dedicated exclusively to female Veterans. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with plans to open in late 2027.
The facility will be located on the west side of 8th Avenue, between Cleveland and Lind Street.
For retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Major General Maureen Banavige, the announcement is personal.
“As a woman who’s served, seeing the Bravo Zulu Women’s House come to life is deeply meaningful,” Banavige said. “The Bravo Zulu Women’s House marks a powerful step forward for women Veterans everywhere. It represents more than bricks and mortar; it’s a pathway to recovery and renewal. It is hope made tangible.”
The Women’s House will offer safe, structured housing and recovery support for Veterans working to rebuild their lives — filling a critical gap in services for female Veterans in the region.
The need is urgent. Across the United States, thousands of Veterans leave inpatient treatment facilities each month, yet many continue to struggle with PTSD and addiction. According to the 2024 VA Suicide Report, approximately 18 Veterans die by suicide every day. Since 2001, more than 150,000 Veterans have died by suicide — 21 times more than the 7,500 who died in combat.
Bravo Zulu House has already taken on that fight. In 2025, the organization opened the first-of-its-kind sober home for male Veterans in Winnebago, Minn., helping them recover from addiction and reclaim their lives. The Women’s House in Mankato marks the next chapter in that mission.
The name says it all: “Bravo Zulu” is a naval and military signal meaning “well done” — a mark of respect for those who served.
Executive Director Tim Murray credited the community for making the project possible.
“We are grateful to the many volunteers and supporters who helped us secure this location, which will ultimately save women Veterans’ lives,” Murray said. “Breaking ground this year represents hope and progress for those who have served and now seek healing.”
To join or learn more, visit www.bravozuluhouse.org.
If you or someone you know is a Veteran in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
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